Method and device for vaporization and inhalation of isolated substances

ABSTRACT

A dose unit comprising at least one isolated bioactive agent applied on a carrier material in thermal contact with an electrically heating element configured to vaporize a pre-determined amount of the agent for pulmonary delivery thereof is provided herein, as well as devices for effecting vaporization and pulmonary delivery of the isolated agent, and methods for preparing the dose unit, controllably releasing the agent therefrom, methods for pulmonary delivery thereof and methods of treatment of medical conditions treatable by pulmonary delivery of the isolated bioactive agent.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of PCT Patent Application No.PCT/IL2015/050673 filed on Jun. 30, 2015, which claims the benefit ofpriority under 35 USC §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNos. 62/019,225 filed on Jun. 30, 2014, 62/035,588 filed on Aug. 11,2014, 62/085,772 filed on Dec. 1, 2014, 62/086,208 filed on Dec. 2, 2014and 62/164,710 filed on May 21, 2015.

PCT Patent Application No. PCT/IL2015/050673 was co-filed on Jun. 30,2015 with PCT Patent Application Nos. PCT/IL2015/050677,PCT/IL2015/050678, PCT/IL2015/050676, PCT/IL2015/050674 andPCT/IL2015/050675. The contents of the above applications are allincorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein in theirentirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure, in some embodiments thereof, relates topharmacology and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to methods anddevices for controlled delivery by inhalation of vaporizable substances.

Over the years, many methods and devices have been developed to achievethe efficient delivery of a bioactive (pharmaceutically active) agent toa subject requiring pharmaceutical treatment. Oral ingestion,intravenous delivery and subcutaneous injection represent the two mostcommon examples of current delivery techniques. While these techniquesare generally effective, they suffer from several pharmacokineticlimitations and further often result in substantial non-compliance bypatients. For example, the therapeutic benefit from conventional methodsoften wear off within several hours after initial dosing while thediscomfort associated with injections often lead to difficulties inadministration and maintenance. Even oral administration can beineffective in cases where the bioactive agent exhibits poorbioavailability and in cases of subjects incapable of ingesting thebioactive agent due to nausea and/or vomiting.

One of the examples of a highly effective bioactive agent indronabinol—a pure isomer of THC, or (−)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol,which is one of the main bioactive substances found in cannabis.Dronabinol is manufactured synthetically and marketed under the tradename Marinol®, however, the drug's use is rather limited due to itsintrinsic properties, such as viscosity and hydrophobicity, which areexpressed pharmaceutically in low bioavailability and incontrollableefficacy when delivered by ingestion. For example, it takes over onehour for Marinol® to reach full systemic effect compared to seconds orminutes for smoked or vaporized cannabis. Some patients accustomed toinhaling just enough cannabis smoke to manage symptoms have complainedof too-intense and untimely belated intoxication from Marinol'spredetermined dosages. Many patients have said that Marinol produces amore acute psychedelic effect than cannabis, and it has been speculatedthat this disparity can be explained by the difficulty is controllingthe amount of the bioactive agent in the subject at any given time pointsince this viscous hydrophobic agent, once absorbed through the GItract, may be temporarily stored in fatty tissue before reaching thetarget receptors in the CNS.

While smoking is generally not recommended due to the ill effects ofsmoke inhalation and the low efficiency in delivery the un-combustedbioactive agent, vaporization and inhalation of the vapors of drugssuffering from low bioavailability may present a viable solution to theproblems associated with injection and ingestion thereof. A partialsolution is provided by some vaporization techniques aimed at deliveringinhaled vaporizable bioactive agents while avoiding the respiratoryhazards of smoking. While the temperature at the center of a burningcigarette is 750-800° C., vaporization can be performed at anypredetermined temperature, thereby allowing vapors of the bioactiveagent to form below the combustion temperature, at which pyrolytic toxiccompounds are generated. It has been shown that vaporization techniquesreduce formation of carbon monoxide and highly carcinogenic compoundssuch as polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene and tar.

However none of the currently known smokeless vaporization devices canbe utilized for administering vaporizable bioactive agents under commonpharmaceutical standards and practices, due to the inability toaccurately and reproducibly control the amount that the patient inhales.The pulmonary delivery of vaporizable bioactive agents in the vaporphase varies within and between practically delivered doses due to thesubjective visual estimation of the dose amount loaded by the user,repeated asynchronous inhalations from the same loaded dose,inconsistent inhalation dynamics and a time-dependent condensation ofvapors onto the inner surfaces of the device. Subsequently, vaporizersin use today make proper pharmaceutical dosing and medical regimenmonitoring unrealistic or impractical.

International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2008/116165discloses systems and methods for pulmonary delivery of a drug to therespiratory system of a patient, wherein the drug is supplied inpurified air at a positive pressure relative to atmospheric pressure,whereas medication available in a variety of forms is introduced in acontrolled fashion into the purified air stream in aerosol, nebulized,or vaporized form.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20140238423 discloses anelectronic smoking article which includes a supply of a liquid materialand a heater-wick element operable to wick liquid material and heat theliquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquidmaterial and form an aerosol. The heater-wick element comprises two ormore layers of electrically resistive mesh material. This device affordsno controllability and/or reproducibility in the mount being deliveredto the subject.

Rabinowitz, J. D. et al. [J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 2004, 309(2), p.769-75] teach systemic delivery of pure pharmaceutical compounds withoutdegradation products through a related process that also involvesinhalation of thermally generated aerosol. According to Rabinowitz, J.D. et al., a drug is coated as a thin film on a metallic heating elementand vaporized by heating the element; the thin nature of the drugcoating minimizes the length of time during which the drug is exposed toelevated temperatures, thereby preventing its thermal decomposition, andthe vaporized, gas-phase drug rapidly condenses and coagulates intomicrometer-sized aerosol particles.

International Patent Application No. WO 2012/085919, by the presentassignees, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses interalia metered dose inhalation devices for controlled vaporization andpulmonary delivery of bioactive agents from plant material byapplication of heat, wherein the device is configured to vaporize aprecise amount of an agent from the plant material in a highlyreproducible manner while exerting air-flow control to guaranteecomplete pulmonary delivery of the pre-determined dose.

Additional background art include International Patent Application Nos.WO 2008/024490 and WO 2008/024408, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,703,418, 7,169,378,7,987,846 and 8,235,037 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos.20140100249, 20120252885, 20100168228, 20080181942, 20080176885,20080078382, 20070072938, 20060258738 and 20060167084.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A dose unit comprising at least one isolated bioactive agent applied ona carrier material in thermal contact with a heating element configuredto vaporize a pre-determined amount of the agent for pulmonary deliverythereof is provided herein, as well as devices for effectingvaporization and pulmonary delivery of the isolated agent, and methodsfor preparing the dose unit, controllably releasing the agent therefrom,methods for pulmonary delivery thereof and methods of treatment ofmedical conditions treatable by pulmonary delivery of the isolatedbioactive agent.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure,there is provided a dose unit for pulmonary delivering at least onebioactive agent to a user, which includes:

a pallet; and

an electrically resistive heating element in thermal contact with andextending across at least a portion of a surface of the pallet,

wherein the at least one bioactive agent is included in an isolatedbioactive agent, and the pallet includes a solid carrier material andthe bioactive agent is in and/or on the carrier material.

According to some embodiments, the electrically resistive heatingelement extends across at least two opposite surfaces of the pallet.

According to some embodiments, the carrier material is substantiallyunreactive with the bioactive agent when in contact with the bioactiveagent at a temperature range that falls within the range spanning from astorage temperature to a combustion/decomposition temperature of thebioactive agent.

According to some embodiments, the carrier material is substantiallyunreactive with the bioactive agent when in contact with the bioactiveagent at a temperature range spanning from a storage temperature to atemperature being 50° C. higher than an evaporation temperature of thebioactive agent.

According to some embodiments, the carrier material has a combustionand/or decomposition and/or melting temperature higher than anevaporation temperature of the bioactive agent.

According to some embodiments, the carrier material has a combustionand/or decomposition and/or melting temperature higher than anevaporation temperature of the bioactive agent by at least 50° C.

According to some embodiments, the carrier material has an electricresistivity of at least 10 μΩ·m.

According to some embodiments, the carrier material has a thermalconductivity of at least 0.1 W/mK.

According to some embodiments, the carrier material includes a substanceselected from the group consisting of glass, quartz, ceramic composite,silicon carbide, mullite, alumina, silicone and polytetrafluoroethylene.

According to some embodiments, the pallet has an air-permeable structurethat allows a flow of at least 0.5 liter of gas per minute under apulling vacuum of at least 1-5 kPa.

According to some embodiments, the pallet is a unified air-permeablematrix.

According to some embodiments, the pallet is an air-permeable pluralityof packed particles.

According to some embodiments, the particles have a diameter larger than10 microns.

According to some embodiments, the isolated bioactive agent is a liquidhaving a viscosity of at least 10 centipoise (cP).

According to some embodiments, the boiling point of the isolatedbioactive agent is higher than 80° C.

According to some embodiments, the octanol-water partition coefficient(log P) of the isolated bioactive agent is greater than 5.

According to some embodiments, the octanol-water partition coefficient(log P) of the isolated bioactive agent is greater than 1.

According to some embodiments, the isolated bioactive agent includes asynthetic bioactive agent.

According to some embodiments, the isolated bioactive agent includes apure extract of a plant substance.

According to some embodiments, the bioactive agent is selected from thegroup consisting of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD),cannabigerols (CBG), cannabichromenes (CBC), cannabinol (CBN),cannabinodiol (CBDL), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabielsoin (CBE),cannabidivarin (CBDV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabitriol(CBT), a terpene, a flavinoid and any combination thereof.

According to some embodiments, the bioactive agent is selected from thegroup consisting of opium, salvinorin, cathinone, pukateine, thujone,damianin, bulbocapnine, kavalactone, lagochilin, lactucarium, glaucine,ergine, ibogaine, aporphine, leonurine, atropine, buprenorphine,butorphanol, fentanyl, hydromorphone, methadone, midazolam, nalbuphine,naloxone, naltrexone, oxycodone, phenytoin, remifentanil, rizatriptan,sildenafil, sufentanil and zolpidem.

According to some embodiments, the bioactive agent is(−)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (dronabinol).

According to some embodiments, the bioactive agent is provided in and/oron the carrier material at a pre-determined amount.

According to some embodiments, the resistive heating element is a metalheating element.

According to some embodiments, the resistive heating element includes aU-shape with two ends and having a hollow in which the pallet ispositioned, such that an electrical current flows across both of the atleast two opposite surfaces when a voltage is applied between the twoends.

According to some embodiments, the resistive heating element is anchoredto the pallet, retaining the pallet to the dose unit.

According to some embodiments, the resistive heating element has aportion encased and extending within the pallet.

According to some embodiments, the portion of the resistive heatingelement extending across the pallet is an air-permeable resistiveheating element.

According to some embodiments, the air-permeable resistive heatingelement allows a flow of at least 0.5 liter of gas per minute under apulling vacuum of at least 1-5 kPa.

According to some embodiments, the resistive heating element includes aresistive mesh.

According to some embodiments, the resistive heating element includes atleast one ribbon of etched metal foil.

According to some embodiments, the ribbon of etched metal foil is backedby a polymer backing includes a plurality of perforations making itair-permeable.

According to some embodiments, the ribbon of etched metal foil includesa narrowed region having elevated resistance, which melts to break anelectrical continuity along the ribbon during dissipation of electricalpower applied after release the bioactive agent.

According to some embodiments, the ribbon of etched metal foil isattached to a fuse element configured to break electrical continuityalong the ribbon during dissipation of electrical power applied afterrelease the bioactive agent.

According to some embodiments, the dose unit includes an air-permeableretaining mesh separating the pallet and the heating element, theretaining mesh being sufficiently closed to retain the pallet in thedose unit.

According to some embodiments, the air-permeable retaining mesh allows aflow of at least 0.5 liter of gas per minute under a pulling vacuum ofat least 1-5 kPa.

According to some embodiments, the resistive heating element includes anelectrode contact-receiving region on either side of a region extendingacross the pallet.

According to some embodiments, the resistive heating element includes atransport arm interlock region, shaped for attachment to the transportarm of a dose puller.

According to some embodiments, the dose unit includes a plurality ofheating element regions, each region being separately configured toreceive electric current.

According to some embodiments, the heating elements are associated witha corresponding plurality of pallets.

According to some embodiments, the dose unit further includes a frame,into an aperture of which the pallet is fittingly pressed.

According to some embodiments, the frame is resistant to heat of atleast a temperature at which the bioactive agent vaporizes.

According to some embodiments, the resistive heating element is inthermal contact with the pallet and extending at least across theaperture.

According to some embodiments, the resistive heating element ispartially embedded in the frame around the edges of the aperture.

According to some embodiments, the frame includes a region away from theaperture at which the resistive heating element is attached.

According to some embodiments, the resistive heating element is attachedto the region by at least partial melting of the frame at the region,such that material of the frame flows into one or more apertures in theresistive heating element.

According to some embodiments, the frame includes a transport arminterlock region, shaped for attachment to the transport arm of a dosepuller.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure,there is provided an activating unit for the dose unit according to anyof the embodiments presented herein, which includes:

a dose puller configured to move the dose unit from a storage positioninto a use position;

a holder configured for holding the dose unit such that the bioactiveagent is in sealed alignment with an air conduit of the activating unit;and

electrodes positioned to be in electrical contact with at least twoelectrical contact receiving regions of the resistive heating element ofthe dose unit when in the activating unit.

According to some embodiments, the dose puller includes a dose pullingarm, shaped to interlock with a receiving region of the dose unit suchthat movement of the dose pulling arm moves the dose unit into or out ofthe use position.

According to some embodiments, the sealed alignment defines a pathwaythrough the pallet within a lumen along which air passing through thepallet continues until reaching an exit aperture.

According to some embodiments, the holder includes the mechanismconfigured to move the dose unit.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure,there is provided an inhaler device which includes the activating unitaccording to any of the embodiments presented herein.

According to some embodiments, the inhaler device includes a dose unitdispensing apparatus that includes a plurality of dose units within aclosed container.

According to some embodiments, the closed container includes aninterlock which, after dispensing of a first dose unit from thecontainer, prevents dispensing of a second dose unit from the containeruntil the first dose unit is returned to the dispensing apparatus.

According to some embodiments, the dose unit is dispensed to avaporizing apparatus, and an operation of the interlock includesinserting the vaporizing apparatus into the dose unit dispensingapparatus.

According to some embodiments, the device includes a clamping chamberapparatus that includes:

a compartment sized to fittingly receive a dose unit from a dose unitcontainer while the clamping chamber apparatus is fitted to the doseunit container, and

a power unit operable, while the clamping chamber apparatus is removedfrom the dose unit container, to deliver current to the resistiveheating element of the fittingly received dose unit, for vaporization ofthe bioactive agent contained in the dose unit.

According to some embodiments, the dose unit container contains aplurality of the dose units.

According to some embodiments, the device is configured to release atleast one pre-determined vaporized amount of the bioactive agent uponcontrollably heating the pallet includes the bioactive agent.

According to some embodiments, the device includes a temperature sensorfor sensing the temperature in one or more of in the dose unit and onthe dose unit.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure,there is provided a process of manufacturing the dose unit according toany of the embodiments presented herein, which includes:

contacting the carrier material with the isolated bioactive agent;

forming a pallet that includes the carrier material having the bioactiveagent applied therein and/or thereon; and

covering the pallet on at least a portion of one side by theelectrically resistive heating element.

According to some embodiments, forming the pallet includes:

placing a plurality of particles of the carrier material having thebioactive agent applied therein and/or thereon within a dose chamber ona planar surface;

vibrating the planar surface until the plurality of particles isleveled; and

pressing the leveled plurality of particles to form the pallet.

According to some embodiments, forming the pallet includes cutting asection from the carrier material to form a unified air-permeablematrix.

According to some embodiments, cutting a section from the carriermaterial is performed prior to the contacting the carrier material withthe isolated bioactive agent.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure,there is provided a method of pulmonary delivering at least onebioactive agent to a patient, which includes:

loading a dose unit into an activating unit of an inhaler deviceaccording to any of the embodiments presented herein;

applying a current to the resistive heating element of the dose unit tothereby vaporize a pre-determined vaporized amount of the bioactiveagent thereby controllably releasing the pre-determined vaporizedamount.

According to some embodiments, the method includes, subsequent toapplying the current, inhaling ambient air through the pallet, therebypulmonary delivering the pre-determined vaporized amount to a pulmonaryorgan of a patient.

According to some embodiments, the pre-determined vaporized amount isselected so as to exhibit at least one pre-selected pharmacokineticprofile and/or at least one pre-selected pharmacodynamic profile of thebioactive agent in the patient.

According to some embodiments, the method further includes:

determining at least one pharmacokinetic parameter and/or at least onepharmacokinetic variable and/or at least one pharmacodynamic parameterinduced by the pulmonary delivering the isolated bioactive agent in thepatient from the device; based on the pharmacokinetic parameter and/orthe pharmacokinetic variable and/or the pharmacodynamic parameter,determining the pre-determined vaporized amount which exhibits thepre-selected pharmacokinetic profile and/or the pre-selectedpharmacodynamic profile of the bioactive agent in the patient; and

adjusting the device to deliver the at least one pre-determinedvaporized amount of the bioactive agent.

According to some embodiments, each of the pharmacokinetic parameterand/or the pharmacokinetic variable and/or the pharmacodynamic parameteris determined for an individual patient, such that the pre-determinedvaporized amount is determined personally for the patient.

According to some embodiments, the pre-selected pharmacodynamic profileranges between a minimal level of a desired effect and a level of anundesired effect.

According to some embodiments, the pharmacodynamic profile rangesbetween a minimal level of a desired effect to a minimal level of anundesired effect.

According to some embodiments, the pharmacodynamic profile rangesbetween a minimal level of a desired effect to a level higher than aminimal level of an undesired effect.

According to some embodiments, defining at least one of the desiredeffect and/or the undesired effect includes receiving instructions fromthe patient and/or a physician.

According to some embodiments, the pre-selected pharmacodynamic profileis selected from the group consisting of:

a pharmacodynamic profile within a level lower than a minimal level of atherapeutic effect;

a pharmacodynamic profile ranging within a minimal level of thetherapeutic effect to a maximal level of the therapeutic effect in whichan adverse effect is not exhibited or perceived, and

a pharmacodynamic profile within a level higher than a minimal level ofan adverse effect.

According to some embodiments, the pharmacodynamic profile ranges withina minimal level of the therapeutic effect to a maximal level of thetherapeutic effect in which an adverse effect is not exhibited orperceived.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure,there is provided a method of treating a medical condition treatable byinhalation of at least one pre-determined vaporized amount of at leastone bioactive agent, effected by the method according to any of theembodiments presented herein.

According to some embodiments, the medical condition is selected fromthe group consisting of alcohol abuse, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,anorexia nervosa, anxiety disorders, appetite variations, asthma,atherosclerosis, bipolar disorder, bladder dysfunction, chronicobstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), collagen-induced arthritis,colorectal cancer, Crohn's disease, delirium, digestive diseases,Dravet's Syndrome, drug addiction and craving, dystonia, epilepsy,fibromyalgia, generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+),glaucoma, gliomas, hepatitis C, HIV-associated sensory neuropathydepression, Huntington's disease, hyper tension, increased intra ocularpressure, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), insomnia, irritable bowelsyndrome (IBS), lack of appetite, leukemia, migraines, movementdisorders, multiple sclerosis (MS), nausea, neurogenic pain, neuropathicpain, nociceptive pain, Parkinson's disease, phantom pain, posttraumaticstress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual syndrome, pruritus, psychiatricdisorders, psychogenic pain (psychalgia or somatoform pain), seizures,septic and cardiogenic shock, sexual dysfunction, skin tumors, sleepapnea, spasticity, spinal cord injury, tics, Tourette symptoms, tremors,unintentional weight loss and vomiting.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure,there is provided a dose unit for pulmonary delivering at least onebioactive agent to a user which includes:

a frame having an aperture; and

a pallet consisting of a solid carrier material and being fittinglypressed into the aperture;

wherein the pallet is sufficiently air permeable to allow a flow of atleast 0.5 liter of gas per minute under a pulling vacuum of at least 1-5kPa through the pallet.

According to some embodiments, the dose unit includes a resistiveheating element in thermal contact with and extending across at leasttwo opposite surfaces of the pallet, wherein the pallet together withthe resistive heating element are sufficiently air permeable to allow aflow of at least 0.5 liter of gas per minute under a pulling vacuum ofat least 1-5 kPa through the pallet between the at least two oppositesurfaces.

According to some embodiments, the pallet is sufficiently air permeableto allow a flow of at least 0.5 liter of gas per minute under a pullingvacuum of at least 1-5 kPa through the pallet between the at least twoopposite surfaces.

According to some embodiments, the carrier material has an electricresistivity of at least 10 μΩ·m.

According to some embodiments, the carrier material has a thermalconductivity of at least 0.1 W/mK.

According to some embodiments, the carrier material is selected from thegroup consisting of glass, quartz, ceramic composite, silicon carbide,mullite, alumina, silicone and polytetrafluoroethylene.

According to some embodiments, the pallet is a unified air-permeablematrix.

According to some embodiments, the pallet is an air-permeable pluralityof packed particles.

According to some embodiments, the particles have a diameter larger than10 microns.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms usedherein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art to which an invention pertains. Although methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used inthe practice or testing of embodiments of an invention, some methodsand/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patentspecification, including definitions, will control. In addition, thematerials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are notintended to be necessarily limiting.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of aninvention may be embodied as a system, method or computer programproduct. Accordingly, aspects of an invention may take the form of anentirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (includingfirmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodimentcombining software and hardware aspects that may all generally bereferred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore,some aspects may take the form of a computer program product embodied inone or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable programcode embodied thereon. Implementation of the method and/or system ofembodiments can involve performing or completing selected tasksmanually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, accordingto actual instrumentation and equipment of embodiments of the methodand/or system of this disclosure, several selected tasks could beimplemented by hardware, by software or by firmware or by a combinationthereof using an operating system.

For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according to someembodiments could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software,selected tasks according to some embodiments could be implemented as aplurality of software instructions being executed by a computer usingany suitable operating system. In some embodiments, one or more tasksaccording to some embodiments of method and/or system as describedherein are performed by a data processor, such as a computing platformfor executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the dataprocessor includes a volatile memory for storing instructions and/ordata and/or a non-volatile storage, for example, a magnetic hard-diskand/or removable media, for storing instructions and/or data.Optionally, a network connection is provided as well. A display and/or auser input device such as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided aswell.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and paymentof the necessary fee.

Some embodiments are described herein, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now tothe drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are byway of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of theembodiments. In this regard, the description taken with the drawingsmakes apparent to those skilled in the art how some embodiments may bepracticed.

In the drawings:

FIGS. 1A-M are schematic views of a dose unit (cartridge), disassembledand assembled, and some alternative constructions thereof, according tosome embodiments;

FIGS. 2A-E schematically illustrate a carousel-type dose delivery systemfor use in or as an inhaler device, according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 3A-B schematically illustrate a clamping chamber apparatus forvaporizing and delivery of a bioactive agent from a dose unit, accordingto some embodiments;

FIGS. 4A-B schematically illustrate a device for loading from a carouseland separable from the carousel for vaporizing and delivery of anisolate bioactive agent from a dose unit, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an interlock-protected dose dispensingapparatus, together with a removable dose administration assembly,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a system comprising an inhaler device,a physician interface and/or a patient interface, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for prescribing a personalized regimento a patient, according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 8A-D are a schematic diagram (FIG. 8A) and print screens (FIGS.8B-D) of a physician interface for selecting and prescribing a regimento a patient, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for obtaining a personalpharmacodynamic (PD) parameter from a patient and modifying a regimenaccordingly, according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 10A-E are print screens of a patient interface (FIGS. 10A, 10C,10E), and graphic representations of an expected pharmacodynamic andpharmacokinetic profiles of the patient before and after a personal PDparameter is obtained (FIGS. 10B and 10D respectively), according tosome embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method for obtaining one or more biomarkersusing a personal portable device and/or using the inhaler device, andoptionally modifying the dose and/or regimen accordingly, according tosome embodiments;

FIGS. 12A-C are print screens of a patient interface comprising variousapplications for obtaining biomarkers and/or for assisting a patient indetermining a perceived therapeutic and/or adverse effect, according tosome embodiments;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an inhaler device configured toprovide automated controlled pulmonary delivery of one or more activeagents, according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 14A-B are a schematic diagram of a configuration of an inhalerdevice (FIG. 14A), and a dose unit of an inhaler device comprisingdiscrete pallets (FIG. 14B), according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a method of treating an individual patientusing a system according to FIG. 9, while maintaining the patient withina personalized therapeutic window, according to some embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure, in some embodiments thereof, relates topharmacology and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to methods anddevices for controlled delivery by inhalation of vaporizable substances.

Before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it is to beunderstood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and the arrangement of thecomponents and/or methods set forth in the following description and/orillustrated in the drawings and/or exemplified by the Examples.

Difficulties associated with controlled delivery by injection and/oringestion of bioactive (pharmaceutically active) agents which arecharacterized by low aqueous solubility and/or high viscosity and/orhigh boiling point, have lead the present inventors to contemplatedelivery of such bioactive agents by vaporization and inhalation. Asdiscussed hereinabove, methods and devices for pulmonary (inhalation)delivery of vaporizable bioactive agents from plant substancescontaining the same have been shown to be highly effective and conduciveto widely acceptable pharmaceutical standards and practices. However,these methods and devices have not been designed to deliver isolatedbioactive agents, namely agents which no longer form a part of a plantsubstance.

While searching for a comprehensive solution to the problem ofcontrollably and reproducibly delivering a pre-determined amount of anisolated vaporizable bioactive agent by inhalation, the presentinventors have contemplated a dose unit which includes a palletcomprising at least one isolated bioactive agent in and/or on a carriermaterial, and a heating element in thermal contact with and extendingacross the pallet, such that the bioactive agent is vaporized from thepallet upon applying a current to the heating element. The dose unitincludes an amount of the bioactive agent that corresponds to one ormore use cycle (dose), and can be used in an inhaler device whichcontrols heating intensity and duration and/or air flow through the doseunit during inhalation, thereby delivering controllably and reproduciblya pre-determined vaporized amount of the bioactive agent to the subject.

A Method of Vaporization and Inhalation of an Isolate Bioactive Agent:

According to an aspect of some embodiments, there is provided a methodof pulmonary delivering by inhalation at least one bioactive agent to apatient, using an inhaler device which is configured for controllablyreleasing by vaporization of one or more bioactive agents from a doseunit comprising the isolated bioactive agent(s).

This method constitutes a mode of administration by inhalation of avaporized bioactive agent, which is otherwise difficult to administer byingestion and/or injection for practical reasons, patient's compliance,and intrinsic properties of some isolated bioactive agents, renderingthe same unsuitable or otherwise non-preferable for administration byingestion and/or injection. Optionally, the method of pulmonarydelivering by inhalation at least one bioactive agent to a patient, usesa metered dose inhaler device (MDI device) which is an inhaler deviceconfigured for controllably releasing by vaporization at least onepre-determined vaporized amount of the one or more bioactive agents.

According to some embodiments, the term “inhalation” refers to an actioneffected by a user/patient as a voluntary and intentional breathing-inof ambient air through a device so as to carry a vaporized agent intothe lungs. It is noted that according to some embodiments of,spontaneous breathing may also carry the vaporized agent into the lungs,as well as involuntary breathing effected by a mechanicalventilation/respiration device, as such devices are known in the art.

According to some embodiments, the dose unit is meant to comprise apredetermined and pre-measured amount of a bioactive agent or anisolated bioactive agent. In some embodiments, the amount corresponds toa single dose taken occasionally or taken as part of a treatmentregimen. In some embodiments, a dose unit is designed to include anamount of an isolated bioactive agent which corresponds to more than asingle dose taken occasionally or taken as part of a treatment regimen.The dose unit can therefore include multiple single doses containedseparately in the dose unit, or contained combined and vaporized inpre-determined aliquots. The amount of isolated bioactive agent in asingle dose may be calculated taking into account an efficiency ofvaporization of the bioactive agent.

The term “vaporization” as used herein in all its inflections, refers toa combustionless (non-combustion) process wherein a substance isrendered transportable as a gas (vapors), a mist, droplets thereofsuspended in the inhaled atmosphere, or an aerosol. In some embodiments,“vaporization” means that the substance is rendered transportable as agas (vapors) by heating. In some embodiment, during the delivery byinhalation, the vapors may cool down and condenses to form a mist,namely droplets of the substance suspended in the inhaled atmosphere, oran aerosol thereof. In the context of some embodiments, the term“vaporization” encompasses a phase transition from liquid to gas(evaporation and boiling) as well as a phase transition from solid togas (sublimation). In some embodiments, the term “vaporization” alsoincludes the intermediate state of partly condensed vapors which formsmall droplets that are suspended in the inhaled atmosphere to form amist or an aerosol. According to some embodiments, the term“vaporization” refers to a process wherein an isolated substance isrendered transportable as a gas or droplets thereof suspended in theinhaled atmosphere, namely that the intended substance is essentiallythe only substance that is being vaporized, devoid of a carrier or anyother notable component other than the inhaled atmosphere. According tosome embodiments, the term “vaporization” excludes nebulization(conversion of liquids into fine spray of small droplets comprising aplurality of a substance in liquid state, or the conversion of liquidsinto an aerosol or a mist, also referred to as atomization) as well asother forms of substance transport in the form of fine solid particlescomprising a plurality of a substance (powder).

According to some embodiments, the term “vaporization” excludesprocesses in which a substance is dissolved, suspended, emulsified orotherwise mixed with a liquid carrier, and then rendered transportablein the form of a mist which includes the liquid carrier or an aerosolwhich includes the liquid carrier.

According to some embodiments, vaporization is effected by heating thesubstance to a temperature which is sufficient to raise the partialpressure of the vaporized substance while not causing the substance toburn (below its combustion temperature). Typically, vaporization iseffected by heating the substance to a temperature just below, equal toor above its normal boiling point at atmospheric pressure. According tosome embodiments, vaporization is effected by increasing the temperatureof the substance and lowering the ambient pressure (applying negativepressure, or vacuum). Lowering the ambient pressure is typicallyeffected by the inhalation action, which exerts negative pressure in theatmosphere surrounding the substance, normally in the range of 5-50 mbarbelow relative to atmospheric pressure (negative pressure values, or −5to −50 mbar).

The term “vaporized amount”, as used herein, refers to the amount of anagent that is in vapor form, whereas the vapor form amount is obtainedby means of a heating elements in the device, optionally taking intoaccount the removal of vapors by air flow. It is noted herein that insome embodiments the amount of vaporized agent in the context of thepresent disclosure is not an estimated amount but rather represents theactual amount vaporized upon said heating, as measured directly bystandard laboratory methodologies.

The term “pre-determined vaporized amount” refers to an amount that ispurposely released by an MDI device from the dose unit, the magnitude ofwhich is determined by design of a dose unit, device settings and/or aregimen protocol, as described herein.

The terms “bioactive agent”, “pharmaceutically active agent”,“biologically active agent”, and “agent” are used herein interchangeablyand refer to a compound, a polymer, a drug, a conjugate or a complex, orany combination thereof, which exerts a somatic and/or psychoactiveeffect when administered to a subject. Typically, the bioactive agentexerts a desired and/or beneficial and/or therapeutic effect uponpulmonary delivering thereof and then via a systemic pathway (e.g.,blood, lymph) to a target organ(s) and/or system(s). The agent may be ofnatural origin or synthetic. Non-limiting examples of active agentsinclude CNS active agents, chemotherapeutic agents, sedative agents,analgesic agents and psychotropic agents.

The term “isolated bioactive agent”, as used herein, refers to abioactive agent which is prepared synthetically, or to a bioactive agentwhich is extracted from a natural product.

In some embodiments, the term “isolated bioactive agent” refers to asubstantially purified substance, as opposed to, for example, a naturalproduct such as a plant substance, which also includes solid insolublessuch as cellulosic materials.

The term “isolated bioactive agent” is meant to encompass a wholeextraction or a selective extraction of one or more substances extractedfrom a natural product as a soluble fraction.

In some embodiments, the term “isolated bioactive agent” refers to asoluble fraction of an extracted preparation which is essentiallymiscible in one or more solvents and/or mixtures of solvents and/or canessentially dissolve therein. By “essentially dissolve” it is meant thatat least 90% by mass of the total mass of the isolated bioactive agentis dissolved in one or more solvent(s) without the bioactive agentdecomposing, while less than 10%, less than 8%, less than 5%, less that3% or less than 1% insoluble solid mass is left undissolved in thefraction. By being “essentially miscible” it is meant that at least 90%by mass of the total mass of the isolated bioactive agent is in any form(for example, liquid, resin or soluble powder) that may combine with oneor more solvent(s) without the bioactive agent decomposing to form aclear liquid, while less than 10%, less than 8%, less than 5%, less that3% or less than 1% insoluble solid mass is left undissolved in thefraction. In the context of some embodiments, an isolated bioactiveagent is substantially devoid of, or has less than 10%, less than 8%,less than 5%, less that 3% or less than 1% by mass of an insolublesubstance, of an insoluble fraction or of an insoluble component. Theterm “insoluble” refers to a substance that is not soluble in a solventor a mixture of solvents in which the isolated bioactive agent issoluble.

In some embodiments, the amount of the isolated bioactive agent which iscapable of being dissolved in one or more solvent(s) is at least 90%,91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% by mass of the total massof the isolated bioactive agent.

In some embodiments, the “isolated bioactive agent” refers to orincludes a bioactive agent which can be vaporized essentially withoutleaving a substantial residue. By “vaporized essentially without leavinga substantial residue” it is meant that at least 50% by mass of thetotal mass of the bioactive agent is vaporized without decomposing,while less than 50% by mass is left unvaporized. In some embodiments,the amount of the bioactive agent which is capable of being vaporizedessentially without decomposing and without leaving a substantialresidue, is at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 99% by mass of thetotal mass of the bioactive agent.

In the context of some embodiments, an isolated bioactive agent issubstantially devoid of a non-vaporizable substance, a non-vaporizablefraction or non-vaporizable component. The term “non-vaporizable” refersto a substance or a mixture of compounds that does not significantlyvaporize at the conditions (e.g. temperature) used to vaporize at least50% of the isolated bioactive agent and/or that de-composes or combustsbefore boiling or otherwise forming vapors thereof and/or having aboiling temperature higher than the temperature used to vaporize atleast 50% of the isolated bioactive agent.

According to some embodiments, the isolated bioactive agent is a productof an extraction process which has been isolated from other substanceswithout further purification. In some embodiments, the content of theisolated bioactive agent in an unpurified extract by mass is at least20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 98%, relativeto the mass of the unpurified extract comprising the isolated bioactiveagent.

According to some embodiments, the isolated bioactive agent is a productof an extraction process or a product of a synthetic process, which hasbeen isolated from other substances and purified. In some embodiments,the purity of an isolated bioactive agent is at least 90%, at least 95%,or at least 98% pure in terms of mass, relative to the mass of thesample comprising the isolated bioactive agent.

According to some embodiments, the term “isolated bioactive agent”refers to a combination of bioactive agents, each of which may exertdifferent or similar effects and/or have a synergistic effect whencombined (cumulative effects of each alone is lower than the effect ofthe combination).

According to some embodiments, “whole extraction” refers to a processwherein a natural product is processed so as to allow the solublefraction of its constituents to dissolve in a particular solvent,whereas water may extract an aqueous fraction, and an organic solvent orinert gas may afford an organic fraction.

A “selective extraction” is a process wherein a whole fraction or wholeextraction is further processed in a variety of steps and solvents toafford a paste, a resin or a powder comprising essentially one or moresubstances which are selected by virtue of their solubility in selectedsolvents, thereby affording a selective extraction that consistsessentially of a few selected major components (two, three, four, five,six, seven, eight, nine or ten substances or compounds), referred toherein as a “co-extract”.

A whole extract and/or a co-extract and/or a single extracted andpurified substance may each be turned into an isolated bioactive agentby substantially removing (e.g., by evaporation) the solvent(s), therebyaffording an isolated bioactive agent possibly as a liquid resin or adried powder comprising the respective solvent-soluble substances.

For example, while a sample of a naturally occurring, cultivated or bredplant may comprise one or more bioactive agents as well as a pluralityof various other plant-born substances and insoluble substances, asample of an isolated bioactive agent may consist mostly of onesubstance or compound, and a co-extracted sample of isolated bioactiveagents may consist mostly of a few (two, three, four, five, six, seven,eight, nine or ten) substances or compounds which are the majorcomponents of the sample, whereas minor components and impuritiesconstitute less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, less than 10%,less than 9%, less than 8%, less than 7%, less than 6%, less than 5%,less than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2% or less than 1% of the samplein terms of mass.

In embodiments where the bioactive agent in prepared synthetically, thereaction product may comprise the bioactive agents mixed with aplurality of various reactants, side-reaction products, solvent(s) andother substances, and thus a sample of an isolated bioactive agent isfurther processes and purified to consists essentially of one desiredsubstance or compound, whereas impurities constitute less than 10%, lessthan 9%, less than 8%, less than 7%, less than 6%, less than 5%, lessthan 4%, less than 3%, less than 2% or less than 1% of the sample interms of mass.

In the context of some embodiments, an isolated bioactive agent issubstantially devoid of a solvent, an insoluble matter or a carrier,namely it is not in a solution, an emulsion or a suspension, and notmixed with other substances, unless is it combined with other isolatedbioactive agents, all of which are meant to be co-delivered, regardlessif some are dissolved or suspended or found in an emulsion with anyother isolated bioactive agent(s).

In embodiments where more than one isolated bioactive agents arecombined, the combination is encompassed by the term “isolated bioactiveagent” is defined herein, wherein each of the bioactive agents isintended for pulmonary co-delivery thereof to a patient. As used herein,the term “co-delivery” means that two or more bioactive agents aredelivered to a patient in a single inhalation step and/or are present inand/or on a single dose unit.

The term “pure”, as used herein, refers to the amount of a singleidentified and defined substance, relative to the total amount of amixture of the substance with other substances, which is more than 90%,91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, more than 99%, more than 99.5%,more than 99.9% or 100% of the total mass of the mixture.

Isolated bioactive agents, according to some of the embodimentspresented herein, include, without limitation:

a synthetically prepared and purified (95% pure) bioactive agent;

a combination of two or more individually synthesized and purified (95%pure each) bioactive agents;

a naturally occurring bioactive agent or combination of more than onebioactive agents that is extracted from a microorganism, a plant or ananimal, and further purified to about 90% purity (a purified extract);

a whole/full extract of a microorganism, a plant or an animal, which isfractioned in an aqueous solution or an organic solvent (whichever thebioactive agent or combination of bioactive agents is more soluble in),dried and used without further purification;

a selective extract of a microorganism, a plant or an animal, which isfractioned successively in various aqueous and organic solutions inorder to achieve further isolate one or more bioactive agents from somecomponents of the extract, dried and used without further purification;

a combination of more than one purified, whole or selective extracts,each comprising one or more bioactive agents;

a combination of one or more synthetically prepared and purifiedbioactive agents with one or more purified, whole or selective extracts,each comprising one or more bioactive agents.

The method disclosed herewith addresses the problem of controllably andreproducibly administering some types of bioactive agents using some ofthe most prevailing and accepted modes of administration, such asingestion and intravenous/subcutaneous injection. For example,hydrophobic bioactive agents which are substantially immiscible inaqueous media and/or physiological fluids, may exhibit low absorption,low distribution and low bioavailability when administered by ingestionor injection. As known in the art, the likelihood of a compound to befound suitable as a drug increases if the compound exhibits some degreeof solubility in aqueous media; the “Lipinski's rule of five” refers tothe octanol-water partition coefficient (log P) and state that thecompound should exhibit a log P of less than 5, wherein compoundsexhibiting log P greater than 5 are considered too hydrophobic for mostmodes of drug administration, resulting in poor absorption anddistribution thereof in the body. It is noted herein that embodiments ofthe present disclosure are not limited to hydrophobic bioactive agents,and therefore isolated bioactive agents having a log P of less than 5are also contemplated. For example, in some embodiments the isolatedbioactive agent(s) have a log P greater than 1.

The devices and methods presented herein are useful for administeringany isolated bioactive agent which can be vaporized, regardless of itshydrophobicity, including agents exhibiting high log P values. Accordingto some embodiments, the isolated bioactive agent has a log P value atthe temperature range of 20-37° C. greater than 3, greater than 4,greater than 5, greater than 6, greater than 7 or greater than 8.

The devices and methods presented herein are useful for administeringhydrophobic isolated bioactive agents, as the agent is vaporized anddelivered by inhalation as a gas (vapors of the agent).

Another factor that limits the use of some isolated bioactive agents istheir physical form, namely being a thin or a viscous liquid or a solidin their isolated form.

It is contemplated that the devices and methods presented herein areuseful for administering any isolated bioactive agent which can bevaporized, regardless of its physical form, including agents which areviscous liquids. According to some embodiments, the isolated bioactiveagent has a viscosity of at least 10 centipoise (cP), at least 20 cP, atleast 30 cP, at least 40 cP, at least 50 cP, at least 60 cP, at least 70cP, at least 80 cP, at least 90 cP, at least 100 cP, at least 200 cP, atleast 300 cP, at least 400 cP, at least 500 cP, at least 1000 cP, atleast 2000 cP, at least 5000 cP or more than 10,000 cP.

The methods and devices presented herein are suitable for vaporizing awide range of isolated bioactive agents, including those having arelatively high boiling point. According to some embodiments, theisolated bioactive agent has a boiling point higher than 80° C., higherthan 100° C., higher than 150° C., higher than 200° C., higher than 250°C., higher than 300° C., higher than 350° C., higher than 400° C.,higher than 450° C., higher than 500° C., higher than 550° C., higherthan 600° C., higher than 650° C., higher than 700° C. or higher than750° C.

The methods and devices presented herein are suitable for vaporizing awide range of vaporizable isolated bioactive agents, regardless of itsphysical form, hydrophobicity, viscosity and/or boiling point, as longas it is vaporizable. The term “vaporizable”, as used in the context ofsome embodiments, refers to a property of a substance that defines itssuitability to be pulmonary delivered by vaporization and inhalation.This property corresponds with the boiling or sublimation temperature ofthe substance, which can range from 80° C. or even 100° C. to 750° C.

According to some embodiments, the isolated bioactive agent which isdelivered effectively to the patient at a pre-determined andreproducible therapeutic amount, is a sticky, thick, viscous and oily(hydrophobic, log P more than 5) liquid having a relatively high boilingpoint, in vapor phase without co-administering, intentionally orinadvertently, any excipient, carrier or any other non-active orundesirable substance therewith.

As known in the art, members of the family of plants referred to ascannabis contain a variety of vaporizable bioactive agents which havebeen found to exert beneficial therapeutic activity in humans. Accordingto some embodiments, the bioactive agent is, or includes a cannabinoidextracted and purified from cannabis or a synthetically prepared andpurified cannabinoid. According to some embodiments, the isolatedbioactive agent is an isolated cannabinoid such as, for example,Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerols (CBG),cannabichromenes (CBC), cannabinol (CBN), cannabinodiol (CBDL),cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabielsoin (CBE), cannabidivarin (CBDV),tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabitriol (CBT) and any isomer and/orcombination thereof.

It is note that other vaporizable isolated bioactive agents arecontemplated within the scope of the present disclosure, includingwithout limitation, naturally occurring bioactive agents from extractsor synthetic origin such as salvinorin, cathinone, pukateine, thujone,damianin, bulbocapnine, kavalactones, lagochilin, lactucarium, glaucine,ergine, ibogaine, aporphine and leonurine, and synthetic vaporizableisolated bioactive agents such as atropine, buprenorphine, butorphanol,fentanyl, hydromorphone, methadone, midazolam, nalbuphine, naloxone,naltrexone, oxycodone, phenytoin, remifentanil, rizatriptan, sildenafil,sufentanil and zolpidem.

According to some embodiments, the isolated bioactive agent includesco-extracts or synthetic combinations of bioactive agents comprisingterpenes, flavonoids, nitrogenous compounds and other naturallyoccurring and synthetic compounds. For example, some combinations ofcannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids have been shown to modulate theeffect of a cannabinoid or even exert a synergistic effect compared tothe effect of the cannabinoid by itself.

Terpenes and terpenoids include, without limitation, Δ3-Carene,β-Selinene, β-Pinene, β-Phellandrene, β-Famesene, β-Caryophyllene,β-Pinene, β-Eudesmol, α-Terpinolene, α-Pinene, α-Phellanderene,α-Humulene, α-Bergamotene, α-terpineol, α-Terpinene, α-Pinene,α-Humulene, α-Guaiene (t), α-Cedrene, α-Bisabolol, Valencene (t),trans-Ocimene, trans-Ocimene, trans-Caryophyllcnc, Terpinolene,t-2-Pinanol (t), Selina-3,7-(11)-diene, Selina-3,7(11)-diene (t),Sabinene Hydrate, Nerol, Myrcene, Myrcene, Menthol, Linalool, Limonene,Limonene, Isoborneol, Guaiol, Guaia-1(10), 11-diene (t), Germacrene B(t), Geraniol, Farnesene (t), Eudesm-7(11)-en-4-ol (t), Elemene (t),cis-Ocimene, cis-Ocimene, CaryophyllEne oxide, Caryophyllene oxide,Camphor, Camphene, Borneol and (+)Fenchol.

Flavinoids include, without limitation, cannflavine A, cannflavine B,cannflavine C, vitexin, isovitexin, apigenin, kaempferol, quercetin,luteolin and orientin.

According to some embodiments, the bioactive agent is an isolated isomerof any one of the abovementioned cannabinoids, such as, for example,(−)-trans-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as dronabinol, which is anisomer of THC. Isolated dronabinol, like other isomers of THC, exhibitswater solubility of 0.0028 mg/mL at 23° C., a log P value of 5.648, aboiling point of 157° C. and a viscosity of 85-140 cP.

A Dose Unit:

Due to the chemical and physical properties of some vaporizable isolatedbioactive agents, the method of administration by inhalation of suchbioactive agents is effected by use of a customized dose unit, alsoreferred to herein interchangeably as a cartridge, which is designed andconfigured to allow vaporization and inhalation of at least onebioactive agent to a user (e.g., a patient). As discussed hereinabove,the bioactive agent may be, in some embodiments, an isolated bioactiveagent characterized by one or more properties which render itsadministration less effective or even inoperable by ingestion and/orinjection to a user.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of, a unit dose is providedfor pulmonary delivery of at least one bioactive agent to a user, whichincludes a pallet and an electrically resistive heating element, alsoreferred to herein interchangeably as resistive heating element (e.g., ametal resistive heating element), in thermal contact with and extendingacross at least a portion of a surface of the pallet, wherein the palletcomprises a solid carrier material and a pre-determined amount of thebioactive agent is in and/or on the carrier material.

In some embodiments, the resistive heating element extends across atleast two opposite surfaces of the pallet.

FIGS. 1A-B present schematic illustrations of a dose unit (dosingsubstance vaporization cartridge, or cartridge), according to someembodiments, showing dose unit 2300 having pallet 2304 fitting intoaperture 2303 in frame 2308 which forms a part of housing 2301 (FIG.1A), and resistive heating element 2306 in thermal contact with andextending across at least two opposite surfaces of pallet 2304 (FIG.1B). FIGS. 1C-M provide schematic illustrations of alternativeconstructions of dose units, according to some embodiments.

The term “pallet”, as used herein, refers to a composition-of-matterconstituting a matrix or a platform for handling, holding, storing,dispensing and delivering a substance which otherwise is too dispersibleto be handled, contained, dispensed and/or delivered by itself (e.g. aliquid, a paste, fine powder, particulate, or a sticky resin). A pallet,for example, allows the dispensing of a thick liquid, and further allowsvaporization and subsequent delivery thereof from the pallet.

Optionally, the liquid, paste or sticky resin dry out and/or otherwisebecome solid after inclusion in the pallet. According to someembodiments, a pallet includes any substance that is left behind and notdelivered to the patient upon applying heat thereto.

According to embodiments, the pallet comprises a solid carrier materialwhich is selected and designed to allow vaporization and inhalation ofan isolated bioactive agent therefrom. Since the carrier material isused to carry and dispense the vaporizable bioactive agent, it isdefined by several chemical and physical criteria, which include one ormore of:

being substantially unreactive (chemically inert) with respect to thebioactive agent when in contact therewith, at least within a temperaturerange as low as the lowest expected storage temperature and up-to theoperational temperature, possibly with some greater range of confidence(e.g. between 50° C. below a storage temperature and up-to about 50° C.above an operational temperature). According to some embodiments, thestorage temperature may be as low as about −80° C., or about −40° C. orabout −20° C., however, higher and lower temperatures are contemplatedwithin the scope of the present disclosure, including, for example roomtemperature (e.g. 18-26° C.). The carrier material is chemically inertin temperatures of up-to (at least) the maximal temperature ofvaporization of the bioactive agent (or slightly higher, for example, by50° C.), or up-to the combustion and/or decomposition temperature of thebioactive agent, however, higher temperatures are contemplated withinthe scope of the present disclosure;

having a combustion and/or decomposition and/or melting temperaturehigher than the combustion/decomposition of the bioactive agent,however, carrier materials with higher combustion and/or decompositionand/or melting temperature are contemplated within the scope of thepresent disclosure;

having a thermal conductivity of at least 0.1 W/mK (allowing the carrierto readily disperse heat throughout the pallet); and

having an electric resistivity of at least 10 μΩ·m (reducing thecapacity of the carrier to short-cut the current passing through therestive heating element).

As a composition-of-matter comprising the carrier material and thebioactive agent (the loaded pallet), the loaded pallet is substantiallyair-permeable. In other words, the loaded pallet is characterized by astructure that allows a flow of the inhaled gas (typically ambientatmosphere, whether carrying vapors of the agent or not) to passtherethrough. According to some embodiments, the structure of the palletis characterized by passage of the inhaled gas therethrough, whereaspassage is defined by at least 2 liter of gas per minute (l/min), atleast 1.5 l/min, at least 1 l/min, at least 0.8 l/min or at least 0.5liter of gas per minute, under a pulling vacuum of at least 1-5 kPa,which corresponds to the pulling force exerted by pulmonary intake ofair into the lungs of the user, whereas the average pulmonary peak in ahealthy adult human is about 25 mbar. According to some embodiments, thestructure of the pallet is characterized such that is allows a minimalflow of 0.5 liter per minute and a maximal negative (pulling) pressureof 25-40 mbar or negative pressure of 1-5 kPa (−1 to −5 kPa) near thepallet.

In order for the pallet to be air-permeable, it can for example beformed as a unified porous matrix or comprises a plurality of tightly orloosely packed individual porous and/or non-porous particles. In someembodiments where the pallet is made of a plurality of individual(unfused) particles, it is typically enclosed by walls having aperturesin two opposite surfaces to allow gas flow therethrough, hence thearticles are larger than the apertures.

According to some embodiments, the structure of the pallet ischaracterized by a surface/mass ratio of at least 1000 square meters pergram (m²/g).

According to some embodiments, the structure of the pallet ischaracterized by a surface/volume ratio of at least 500 square metersper milliliter (m²/ml).

More specifically, the term “carrier material”, as used in the contextof some embodiments, is a solid pallet material which provides aphysical support for a vaporizable bioactive agent, or a heat-vaporizingsubstance, which is incorporated in the pallet.

According to some embodiments, the bioactive agent is not applied on theelectrically resistive heating element, but rather applied in and/or onthe carrier material. In some embodiments the bioactive agent and theresistive heating element are not in direct physical contact, but are inthermal contact via at least the pallet.

In some embodiments, the carrier material, or a pallet comprising thesame, is characterized by at least one of the following properties:

chemical compatibility and acceptability;

relatively high combustion/decomposition/melting temperature;

physical unity, homogeneity and wholeness;

porosity;

high thermal conductivity; and

low electric conductance.

In the context of some embodiments, chemical compatibility andacceptability may be regarded as a requirement for substantial chemicalstability and inertness, cleanness and lack of extractable and leachablesubstances, and mechanical integrity.

The carrier material is required to be chemically stable and inert(unreactive) with respect to the bioactive agent and the componentscomprising the inhaler dose unit (cartridge) provided herein as well asother components of the inhaler device, at least in the full rangebetween storage conditions and operating conditions of the device andthe cartridge. In some embodiments, chemical inertness is also requiredduring a process of manufacturing the pallet and/or the dose unit, suchas being stable and chemically inert during contact with polar and/ornon-polar solvents which may be used in the process and/or intemperature ranges or other conditions applied during manufacture.Chemical stability and inertness may be defined by percentage of carriermaterial or constituents thereof which undergoes chemical or physicalchange during process, storage and use of the cartridge provided herein,and/or the amount of carrier material-derived substances (referred toherein as “extractables and leachables”) which is allowed to be inhaledduring the use of the dose unit provided herein, according toPharmacopoeia and other commonly used standards and practices known andavailable to any skilled artisan. A skilled artisan would be able tocomply with the foregoing, following commonly practiced guidelines, asprovided, for example, in the publications provided publically by theProduct Quality Research Institute (PQRI); in textbooks such as“Leachables and Extractables Handbook: Safety Evaluation, Qualification,and Best Practices Applied to Inhalation Drug Products”, 2008, Editors:Douglas J. Ball, Daniel L. Norwood, Cheryl L. M. Stults, and Lee M.Nagao, Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; and in scientificpeer-reviewed articles such as “Best practices for extractables andleachables in orally inhaled and nasal drug products: an overview of thePQRI recommendations” by Norwood, D. L. et al., Pharm Res., 2008, 25(4),p. 727-39.

The carrier material is further selected to be resistant to heat at thetemperature at which the bioactive agent vaporizes or a slightly highertemperature. In other words, the carrier material is selected to exhibita combustion, decomposition and/or melting temperature higher than thetemperature used in the preparation of the dose unit and higher than thetemperature at which the dose unit is used to vaporize the bioactiveagent during inhalation. For example, in embodiments using a bioactiveagent having a boiling point of about 250° C., the carrier material isselected such that it is chemically and mechanically stable when heatedto the temperature used to vaporize the bioactive agent, thus thecarrier material is selected having a combustion temperature and/ordecomposition temperature and/or melting temperature higher than 250°C., higher than 270° C., higher than 290° C., higher than 300° C.,higher than 320° C., higher than 350° C., higher than 400° C., higherthan 450° C., higher than 500° C., higher than 600° C., higher than 700°C. or higher than 750° C. For example, quartz, glass, ceramic materialsand some organic and inorganic polymers have a combustion temperatureand/or decomposition temperature and/or melting temperature higher thanthe bioactive agent boiling point of about 250° C.

According to some embodiments, the carrier material is made of one ormore of the substances that include, without limitation, glass, quartz,ceramic composite, silicon carbide, mullite, alumina, carbon species(such as carbon-black, activated carbon, graphene, graphite, fullerenesand the likes), silicone and polytetrafluoroethylene.

The physical unity, homogeneity and wholeness requirement corresponds tothe chemical acceptability in the sense that the carrier material isselected such that it maintains physical and mechanical integrity(none-brittle and non-crumble) to the extent that it can be handled andused to prepare the pallet in the dose unit provided herewith. In otherwords, the carrier material is selected such that is does not break orcrumble to particles which are non-homogeneous in size and shape and inparticular smaller than the intended carrier material particle size (seethe porosity requirement below) when being processed into a palletduring preparation or during use of the inhaler dose unit. Carriermaterials can thus be selected according to brittleness, ductility andductile-brittle transition temperature properties, as these are knownand available to any skilled artisan in the field of material science,while considering the stress which is applied to the carrier materialduring the process of preparing the dose unit presented herein, and thetemperatures which the carrier material in the dose unit is exposed toduring use thereof, as discussed herein.

The air permeability, the porosity of the carrier material, or acharacteristic of a pallet comprising the same, is defined, according tosome embodiments, in terms of the flow of air that can be passed thoughthe pallet under an inhalation pressure when having a bioactive agentapplied on and/or in the carrier material. Thus, the carrier material isselected suitable for forming a pallet that allows an air flow of atleast 0.5 liter of gas in a minute (0.5/min) or even 1 l/min under apulling vacuum of at least 1-5 kPa when having a pre-determined amountof a bioactive agent applied thereon or therein. In some embodiments thecarrier material is in a form of a plurality of particles having a shapethat allows gas to flows therebetween when packed into a pallet, asdescribed herein. In some embodiments, the particles of the carriermaterial are in the shape of beads or spheroids. It is noted thatspheroid-shaped particles are more easily manipulate during the processof preparing the dose unit provided herein.

Particles of the carrier material in the shape of fibers, foil or anyother shape that can be packed into an air-permeable pallet are alsocontemplated. In some embodiments, the particles of the carrier materialare larger than the hole size in an air-permeable retaining mesh or awoven mesh comprising the electrically resistive heating element (e.g.,a metal resistive heating element) forming a part of the dose unit,e.g., larger than 10 microns, 15 microns, 20 microns, 25 microns, 30microns, 35 microns, 40 microns, 45 microns, or larger than 50 microns.

In some embodiments, the carrier material is in the form of a singlemonolithic air-permeable matrix constituting the pallet. Theair-permeable matrix can be formed by fusing carrier material particlesin a process typically referred to as sintering, and/or by any othermethodology for forming solid foams and other air-permeable matriceswithin the knowledge of a skilled artisan.

The carrier material making the pallet is selected so as to have athermal conductivity which is conducive to allowing efficient andhomogeneous heating and vaporization of the bioactive agent appliedthereon or therein. The thermal conductivity of the carrier material istherefore higher that the thermal conductivity of paper and otherplant-derived dried material, such as cannabis floss, which is about0.01 W/mK. For example, the thermal conductivity of the carrier materialis at least 0.1 W/mK, at least 0.2 W/mK, at least 0.3 W/mK, at least 0.4W/mK, at least 0.5 W/mK, at least 0.6 W/mK, at least 0.7 W/mK, at least0.8 W/mK, at least 0.9 W/mK, at least 1 W/mK, at least 5 W/mK, at least10 W/mK, at least 20 W/mK, at least 50 W/mK, or at least 100 W/mK. Forexample, carrier material comprising silicone cast resin exhibitsthermal conductivity of about 0.15-0.32 W/mK, carrier materialcomprising polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) exhibits thermal conductivityof about 0.25 W/mK, carrier material comprising glass exhibits thermalconductivity of about 1 W/mK, carrier material comprising quartzexhibits thermal conductivity of about 3 W/mK, and carrier materialcomprising Cr/Ni steel (18% Cr, 8% Ni) exhibits thermal conductivity ofabout 16.3 W/mK.

According to some embodiments, the carrier material is other than (nota) natural plant material, other than natural and chemically unprocessedplant material and other than natural and mechanically unprocessed plantmaterial. According to some embodiments, the carrier material is devoidof natural chemically unprocessed and/or natural mechanicallyunprocessed plant material. For example, paper may be defined as achemically and mechanically processed plant material, while pieces of aplant material pressed into a pallet are regarded in the context of thepresent disclosure as chemically unprocessed plant material.

The carrier material making the pallet is selected so as to have lowelectric conductance or high resistivity so as to avoid current passingtherethrough instead of through the integrated resistive heating elementor the resistive mesh. For example, the carrier material is selected toexhibit resistivity higher than 1 μΩ·m at 20° C., which is about theresistivity of nichrome alloy used in the electrically resistive heatingelement. Hence, the resistivity of the carrier material is at least 10μΩ·m, at least 50 μΩ·m, at least 100 μΩ·m, at least 200 μΩ·m, at least400 μΩ·m, at least 600 μΩ·m, at least 800 μΩ·m, or at least 1000 μΩ·m (1mΩ·m). For example, carrier material comprising polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE) exhibits resistivity of about 10²³-10²⁵ Ω·m, carrier materialcomprising glass exhibits resistivity of about 10¹¹-10¹⁵ Ω·m, andcarrier material comprising fused quartz exhibits resistivity of about7.5×10¹⁷ Ω·m.

According to some embodiments, the carrier material can be formed fromsubstances such as, but not limited to, glass (in the form of aplurality of individual beads or sintered/fritted air-permeable glassmatrix or derived from a sol-gel precursor), quartz (in the form of aplurality of individual beads or fused air-permeable quartz matrix), aceramic composite comprising, e.g., silicon carbide (SiC), alumina(Al₂O₃) and/or mullite (Al₂O₃—SiO₂) (in the form of a plurality ofindividual beads or a fused air-permeable ceramic matrix or anair-permeable ceramic composite matrix), high-melting polymer, e.g.,PTFE or silicone resins (in the form of a plurality of individualpolymer beads or an air-permeable fused polymeric matrix or anemulsion-templated/derived polymeric foam matrix). According to someembodiments, the carrier material can be formed from a liquid crystalpolymer (LCP), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), Ultem, Teflon, Torlon,Amodel, Ryton, Forton, Xydear, Radel, Udel, Polypropylene, Propylux,Polysulfone, or another polymer material.

It is noted that the material forming the housing which providesmechanical support for the pallet according to some embodiments (forexample, support for pallet 2304 by enclosure within aperture 2303 inframe 2308 of housing 2301 in FIG. 1A; for details see below), isselected with some criteria which follow the selection of the carriermaterial, such as the criterion for chemical acceptability, thecriterion for relatively high combustion/decomposition/meltingtemperature and the criterion for low electric conductance. Othercriteria which apply for the selection of a carrier material, such asphysical unity, homogeneity and wholeness, porosity and high thermalconductivity, are less relevant or not required for the selection of thehousing material.

The amount of the bioactive agent which is applied in and/or on thecarrier material in the pallet corresponds to the pre-determinedvaporized amount of the isolated bioactive agent(s) which is to bepulmonary delivered to the patient/user, according to some embodiments,namely since the reservoir of the vaporized agent is the pallet, itcontains the agent in an amount sufficient to allow vaporization anddelivery of the desired vaporized and inhaled amount thereof. The amountof the agent in the pallet may range from 20 to 500 mg, from 10 to 200mg, from 9 to 150 mg, from 8 to 100 mg, from 7 to 50 mg, from 5 to 20mg, from 1 to 10 mg, from 10 to 70 mg, from 10 to 60 mg, from 12 to 50mg, from 12 to 40 mg, from 15 to 40 mg, from 12 to 30 mg or from 12 to25 mg.

A Cartridge Assembly:

In some embodiments, the isolated bioactive agent vaporizes at atemperature requiring a substantial exogenous heat input to reach atemperature above ambient temperature. In some embodiments, the time toreach a volatilizing temperature is, for example, about in a rangebetween about 1000 msec-5 sec, for example, 250 msec, 500 msec, 1000msec, or another greater, smaller, or intermediate value.

In some embodiments, the heating element comprising the dose unit orcartridge is a resistive heating element comprising a metal, for examplenichrome, FeCrAl, cupronickel and/or stainless steel. Optionally, theheating element is packaged in thermal contact with the pallet. Thermalcontact comprises, for example, being in direct contact, or in contactacross a heat-transmitting layer allowing a high rate of thermaltransfer (for example, comprised of a high heat conductance materialsuch as copper, aluminum, brass or steel; and/or having a thin-walledconstruction of less than about 10 μm, 20 μm, 25 μm, 50 μm, or anothergreater, lesser or intermediate thickness). In some embodiments, thermalcontact comprises sufficiently close apposition of pallet and heatingelement that the pallet subtends substantially the whole thermalradiating angle of the portion of the heating element overlying it; forexample, more than 90%, 95%, 99%, or another greater, lesser orintermediate value. In some embodiments, the peak current applied to theelectrode is in the range of about 1-10 Amperes; for example, about 1Amperes, 2 Amperes, 4 Amperes, 6 Amperes, or another higher, lower, orintermediate current.

In some embodiments, the thermal contact comprises the heating elementextending across and in contact with one or more surfaces of the pallet,for example, one side, or two opposite, largest surface-area sides ofthe pallet. In some embodiments, the thermal contact comprises theheating element being at least partially embedded within the pallet.

In some embodiments, the heating element is air-permeable (allows thepassage of air therethrough). In some embodiments, the pallet isair-permeable. Air-permeability is under conditions, for example, of thepassage of air at ambient temperature through a heated assembly ofpallet and heating element under a suction pressure (pulling force) suchas a suction pressure generated by inhaling, and/or a positive pressuregenerated from a side away from the inhaling side of the cartridge.

In some embodiments, the applied pressure is in the range of 4-20 mmHg(about 5-30 mbar), 10-25 mmHg, 5-30 mmHg, 25-40 mmHg, 30-50 mmHg, oranother range having the same, higher, lower, and/or intermediatebounds.

In some embodiments, the heating element comprises a bend of about 180degrees, such that the element is formed into a clip- and/or U-shapethat encloses the pallet on at least two sides. Optionally, each of thetwo sides of the pallet is in thermally conductive contact with asurface of the heating element. Optionally, the heating element on thecartridge is positioned so that there is no self-contact between the twosides of the U-shape. Optionally, application of current to the heatingelement by a dose heating assembly is to or near the two ends(comprising contact-receiving regions) of the U-shape, such that heatingmay occur on two sides of the pallet at once. In some embodiments,application of current to the heating element is by connection to acontact-receiving region on either side of the pallet on one or bothsides of the cartridge. The heating element is optionally divided intotwo or more parts, each receiving current independently. Alternatively,the heating element is provided as a single piece (optionally, a piecewhich entirely encloses the pallet); electrodes being applicable tocontact-receiving regions of the element such that a voltage potentialis generated over the extent of the heating element in thermal contactwith the pallet.

An aspect of some embodiments relates to the provision of a frame alongwith the pallet and heating element. In some embodiments, the framecomprises an aperture for receiving the pallet (a dose chamber). In someembodiments, the surface area over the width and length of the dosechamber is in the range of about 20-100 mm²; for example, about 25 mm²,50 mm², 66 mm², 80 mm², 100 mm², or another greater, smaller, orintermediate surface area. In some embodiments, the aperture region isopen on one side. Optionally, the open side of the aperture region isclosed by the application of a U-shaped heating element.

In some embodiments, the frame aperture dimensions are, for example,about 6×10 mm, the frame defining a volume about 1 mm thick. Optionally,the aperture area is in the range of about 20-100 mm²; for example 20mm², 40 mm², 50 mm², 60 mm², 80 mm², or another greater, lesser, orintermediate face area. The aperture is optionally shaped substantiallyas a square (for example, about 8×8 mm); optionally the aperture isoblong (for example, rectangular) with a side ratio of, for example,1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:10, or another larger, smaller, intermediate orinverted ratio of side lengths. Optionally, the aperture is, forexample, about 30×2 mm in dimension. In some embodiments, the apertureis round, oval or having any shape and dimensions within the frame.

In some embodiments, the frame having the aperture performs one or moreof the following functions:

-   -   positions the pallet at a reproducible position relative to the        overall dimensions of the cartridge;    -   provides mechanical stability to the pallet (for example,        support at the edges, rigidity to resist bending, and/or        anchoring);    -   provides latching/anchoring elements and/or surfaces enabling        the transport of the cartridge by mechanical elements shaped to        interact with the cartridge;    -   provides insulation between two parallel sides of the heating        element to prevent self-contact; and/or    -   provides surface region and/or bulk volume region for        adherence/anchoring/embedding of the heating element with the        cartridge.

In some embodiments, general functions of the aperture include shapingof the dose structure during manufacture, and/or assistance inmanipulation of the dose for administration.

In some embodiments, the frame comprises a polymer or ceramic which issubstantially heat resistant (for example, non-burning, non-melting,dimensionally stable) at the temperature of volatilization. In someembodiments, the polymer comprises, for example, a liquid crystalpolymer (LCP), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), Ultem, Teflon, Torlon,Amodel, Ryton, Forton, Xydear, Radel, Udel, Polypropylene, Propylux,Polysulfone, or another polymer material.

In some embodiments, a latching/anchoring element comprises a transportarm interlock region, shaped for attachment to the transport arm of adose puller or other dose transport mechanism.

In some embodiments, the pallet is closed within in the assembledcartridge by the heating element extending across the aperture. In someembodiments, the heating element extends across the aperture withoutitself closing the aperture (for example, a ribbon heating element isprovided having gaps between windings of the ribbon). In someembodiments another element is provided which acts as a containmentbarrier (or wall). Optionally, the containment barrier is positionedover the heating element and pallet together, and/or between the heatingelement and the pallet.

An aspect of some embodiments relates to a process of manufacturing adose unit, as described hereinabove, in the form of a pallet and aheating element positioned within a frame.

In some embodiments, the process includes contacting the carriermaterial with the bioactive agent;

forming a pallet comprising the carrier material having the bioactiveagent applied therein and/or thereon; and

covering the pallet on at least one side by the electrically resistiveheating element.

As discussed hereinabove, the pallet can be in the form of a pluralityof individual particles or in the form of a unified air-permeablematrix, and in each of these alternatives, the carrier material iscontacted with the bioactive agent(s) by way of dipping in, sprayingwith and/or coating the carrier material with the bioactive agent(s) orotherwise applying the bioactive agent(s) on the carrier material.

Application of the bioactive agent(s) may be carried out before, duringand/or after a pallet is produced. When a plurality of isolatedbioactive agents is applied, they may be applied simultaneously and/orin sequence.

The application of the bioactive agent(s) can be carried out for exampleusing a liquid form of the bioactive agent, either as an isolated (pure)liquid or a solution of the bioactive agent which can be a dissolvedliquid or a dissolved solid. When using a solution of the bioactiveagent(s), the process may further include drying-off the solvent of thesolution so as to leave a coating of the isolated bioactive agent inand/or on the carrier material or part thereof.

In some embodiments, the process of forming the pallet made of aplurality of particles includes placing the plurality of particles ofthe carrier material having the isolated bioactive agent(s) appliedtherein and/or thereon within a dose chamber on a planar surface;

vibrating the planar surface until the plurality of particles isleveled; and

pressing the leveled plurality of particles so as to form the pallet.

In some embodiments, the process of forming the pallet made of a unifiedair-permeable matrix includes cutting a section from the carriermaterial to form the unified air-permeable matrix. In embodiments wherethe carrier material is cut from a larger piece of material, thebioactive agent(s) can be applied thereon prior to or subsequent tocutting the material.

In some embodiments, the process of forming the pallet made of a unifiedair-permeable matrix includes pressing a plurality of particles of thecarrier material in a mold having the inverse shape of the final palletso as to unify the particles into an air-permeable matrix, whereas suchprocess may be referred to as fusing or sintering. In such cases theapplication of the bioactive agent(s) is performed after the pressingstep.

In some embodiments, a measured amount of particles of the carriermaterial having a measured amount of the isolated bioactive agentapplied thereon, referred to as loaded carrier material, is placed in adose chamber. In some embodiments, the measured amount of loaded carriermaterial is in the range, for example, of about 1-100 mg. In someembodiments, the dose chamber is sized such that the extent of thepallet, upon formation, is limited by bounds of the dose chamber, forexample, bounds of pallet width and length.

In some embodiments, the measured amount of loaded carrier material isleveled by vibration of the dose chamber. Optionally, the vibrating iswith an amplitude in the range of about 0.1-1.2 mm; for example 0.5 mm.The frequency of vibration is, for example, in the range of about 20-300Hz (such as 30 Hz, 45 Hz, 60 Hz, 75 Hz, or another higher, lower, orintermediate frequency). Duration of shaking is, for example, chosenfrom within the range of 100-1100 msec (such as about 300 msec, 400msec, 500 msec, 800 msec, or another longer, shorter, or intermediatetime). Optionally, the chamber is secured before vibration, to preventthe loaded carrier material from escaping the chamber from underneath.

In some embodiments, the pallet is formed from the leveled loadedcarrier material by compression by a pressing element. In someembodiments, the loaded carrier material is compressed to a pallet ofthickness within a range of between about 200-1500 μm, or thicknesswithin another range having the same, larger, smaller and/orintermediate bounds.

An “Empty” Dose Unit:

An aspect of some embodiments relates to the provision of a frame alongwith the pallet and optionally also a heating element without abioactive agent incorporated therein. In some embodiments, the dose unitis prepared essentially as described herein apart for the application ofa bioactive agent in/on the pallet of the dose unit. Once a bioactiveagent in incorporated in/on the pallet of such an “empty” dose unit, the“filled” dose unit can be used for pulmonary delivery of the bioactiveagent essentially as described herein.

In some embodiments the empty dose unit can be filled for example bydirecting a spray or drip to the pallet within the dose unit. Optionallythis is performed when the heating element is removed or before itsattachment. In some embodiments the bioactive agent is appliedthroughout the dose unit, including the heating element and/or theframe. Optionally in such cases, the frame (and possibly also theheating element) are made of or comprise materials that are likely torepel or otherwise have a low tendency to maintain contact with thebioactive agent in wet and/or dried form.

In some embodiments, the empty dose unit can be filled by removing thepallet from the frame of the dose unit, applying an isolated bioactiveagent on and/or in the pallet as described herein, and reattaching thepallet to the frame. Optionally, the pallet is detached from the heatingelement so as not to apply the bioactive agent on the heating elementwhile incorporating there bioactive agent in/on the pallet.

Dose Unit Dispenser and Activation:

An aspect of some embodiments relates to positioning and activation of adose unit carrying the pallet with integrated heating element within achamber which activates the heating element while confining thevaporizable isolated bioactive agent to a substance delivery channel,and thus relate to an activation unit for positioning and activation ofa dose unit.

In some embodiments, the positioning is by movement of the cartridgealong a track (for example, by a cartridge transport mechanism). In someembodiments, the chamber comprises a structure which encloses thecartridge on either side to seal it within a defined lumen, and makeselectrical contact with a heating element of the cartridge. Optionally,electrical contact is on either side of the cartridge. Optionally,electrical contact is made on sides of the cartridge at points definedby the positioning of the cartridge relative to electrodes of avaporizing apparatus. Optionally, contact pads extend from the heatingelement for the making of electrical contact therewith.

An aspect of some embodiments relates to a cartridge container for usewith a substance vaporizer which is alternately:

-   -   attached to the cartridge container for receipt of a dose unit        (a cartridge) into the substance vaporizer; and    -   detached from the cartridge container for dose administration.

In some embodiments, the detachable substance vaporizer is used as partof an interlock mechanism for control of the dispensing of dose units.For example, in some embodiments, the substance vaporizer is used aspart of the activation of an interlock which prevents extraction of anew dose unit until a previously spent cartridge is returned to adispensing container.

Illustration of Some Examples

Different embodiment examples of the listed elements are describedherein, as well as examples of embodiments of assembled substance doseunits which lack at least one of these elements. It is to be understoodthat the different element embodiments are optionally combined inembodiments of assembled dose units in other combinations as well (forexample, any heating element design provided with any frame design).

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-B, which are schematic views of a doseunit 2300 (dosing substance vaporization cartridge), disassembled andassembled, according to some embodiments. Reference is also made toFIGS. 1C-M, which illustrate schematically alternative constructions ofdose units 2350, 2360, 2370, 2380, 2390, and 2395, according to someembodiments. FIGS. 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L show disassembled dose units,while FIGS. 1D, 1F, 1H, 1K, and 1M show assembled dose units.

In some embodiments, dosages of an isolated bioactive agent areassembled upon and/or within a dose unit 2300. Optionally, dose unit2300 comprises:

pallet 2304, optionally formed, for example, by flattening, for rapidvaporization;

mechanical support for pallet 2304 (for example, support by enclosurewithin aperture 2303 in frame 2308 of housing 2301, which is optionallyframe shaped);

means for facilitating transport of dose unit 2300 (for example, latchmandibles 2302); and/or

means for vaporizing pallet 2304 (for example, resistive heating element2306).

Optionally, the dose unit is disposable. Potential advantages of adisposable dose unit include: containment of bioactive agent residue fordisposable; close integration of dosage support and transport forreliable dosage transport within a dosing apparatus; and/or reduced needto maintain and/or monitor portions of the dosing system (such as avaporizing heating element) which are subject to conditions that coulddegrade performance over time.

Optionally, the dose unit is for use in a single inhalation. Potentialadvantages of a single-use dose unit include improving the precisionand/or reliability in controlling the vaporized amount of the bioactiveagent under inhaler settings.

For example, the concentration and/or dispersal of an isolate bioactivein the loaded carrier material may be controlled during manufacture atsome degree of precision. In general, the degree of variation in theoutput of the device (e.g., the amount of vaporized and inhaledbioactive agent) may be maintained within a tolerance of less than+/−15% of the intended output. Other factors that may have an effect onvariations in the device's output include ambient conditions, user's usehabits and user's current condition.

In some embodiments, dose unit 2300 comprises a housing 2301 havingaperture or receiving chamber 2303. Optionally, housing 2301 comprises aflattened and elongated strip, while receiving chamber 2303 comprises anaperture framed by the strip (frame 2308). During preparation of doseunit 2300, pallet 2304 is inserted into receiving chamber 2303.Optionally, the pallet is formed before or during insertion such that itconforms to the flattened shape of receiving chamber 2303. It is apotential advantage for the pallet to be held in a flattened format,since a greater surface area and/or a more uniform thickness potentiallyallow faster and/or more evenly distributed heating and/or air flowduring vaporization and delivery.

In some embodiments, the pallet dimensions are, for example, about 6×10mm across the exposed surface area, and about 1 mm thick. Optionally,the thickness of the pallet is in the range of about 0.1-1.0 mm, or agreater, lesser, or intermediate thickness. Optionally, the face area ofthe pallet is in the range of about 20-100 mm²; for example 20 mm², 40mm², 50 mm², 60 mm², 80 mm², or another greater, lesser, or intermediateface area. The pallet is optionally formed into a square orsubstantially square pallet (for example, about 8×8×1 mm); optionallythe pallet is oblong with a side ratio of, for example, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4,1:10, or another larger, smaller, or intermediate ration of sidelengths. Optionally, the pallet is, for example, about 30×2×0.5 mm indimension. Corresponding pallet by weight is about 15 mg in someembodiments. In some embodiments, the pallet weight is selected fromwithin a range of about 1-100 mg, or another range having the same,larger, smaller, and/or intermediate bounds.

It is a potential advantage to surround pallet 2304 with a framinghousing 2301 for greater mechanical stability. For example, a palletpotentially comprise individual particles of loaded carrier material,such that pallet 2304 is liable to shed particles, particularly if movedor bent. Enclosure within cartridge frame 2308 allows pallet 2304 to bemoved within the system without applying stresses directly to pallet2304 itself. In some embodiments, the overall length and width of thecartridge is about 20×10 mm, or another larger, smaller, or intermediatesize. During manufacture, a framing housing is a potential advantage forformation of a pallet of the correct size for fitted occlusion of aconduit through which air flows to pick up volatiles released duringheating of the pallet.

It is to be understood that completely surrounding the pallet is notrequired, in some embodiments, to achieve sufficient mechanicalstability. For example, in some embodiments (see, e.g., FIGS. 1E-F),pallet 2304 is placed in an open-sided chamber 2363 defined by a “U”shaped frame portion 2361. Potentially, this allows packing pallet 2304into the dose unit 2360 from the open side of frame portion 2361.Potentially, the “U” shaped frame simplifies and/or speeds moldingand/or release of the frame itself during manufacture. In someembodiments, the open side is closed off, for example, by a structuresuch as resistive heating element 2306, a permeable overlay 2375(optionally a retaining mesh; FIG. 1G), or another structure.

In some embodiments, other support of a pallet is provided. A completelyframeless example is shown, for example, in dose unit 2390A of FIG. 1L,where the whole extent of frame 2391A (optionally including even latchmandible 2392) is provided by the pallet material. In some embodiments,pallet material is sufficiently stable when prepared that no orrelatively little additional mechanical support is required for use (forexample, the pallet is compressed so that it remains intact duringtransport between a magazine and a clamping chamber). Optionally, atleast a portion of the pallet material is mixed with a binder to addstability. Optionally, the pallet is a one piece pallet havingsufficient stability, and which serves to hold a gel, fluid or powdercomprising the active agent(s).

In some embodiments, a one-piece pallet/frame is formed, optionally witha plurality of pallet materials, for example, a frame material for theregion of frame 2391A (which may or may not comprise active substance),and a carrier material containing active agent for release in palletregion 2394A. Optionally, the one piece pallet/frame is formed is formedfrom a single material but the active agent(s) is added thereto only inpallet region 2394A. Additionally or alternatively, the conditions offormation (for example, degree of compression packing) are differentbetween the framing portion of the pallet, and the bioactive substancereleasing portion of the pallet. In some embodiments, the carriermaterial covers, for example, about 60 mm² near the center of the pallet2393. A carrier material is an active containing material that ispositioned at a location in a dose unit in association with the heatingelement such that it may be heated. In some embodiments, a heatingelement 2306 also provides mechanical support. Optionally, thepallet/frame assembly 2393 in turn provides electrical insulationbetween parts of the heating element 2306. Attachment between heatingelement 2306 and pallet 2393 is, for example, by using any method knownin the art that would remain stable during use, including, for example,one or more of welding, glue, cold press, hot press and/or pins.

In some embodiments (for example, dose unit 2395 in FIG. 1M), a pallet2399 is provided with perforations 2398 which increase its permeabilityto flow. This is of particular potential benefit for frameless or nearlyframeless dose unit embodiments. Pallet 2399 of dose unit 2395, forexample, is bounded only by latch mandible 2396 (which may be formed asan integral part of the pallet) and (transparently drawn) “U” shapedheating element 2306. Potentially, carrier material with sufficientdensity to achieve mechanical self-stability reduces the airflowpermeability of the resulting pallet, thus interfering with drugvolatilization. Perforations 2398 are provided, for example, byintroducing gaps with the tooling (a mold, for example) used in packingthe carrier material, by perforating the pallet after formation, or byanother method.

In some embodiments, (dose unit 2390 in FIGS. 1J-K), the mandibles 2391are provided as a separate part (for example, manufactured of polymer ormetal), attached to a pallet 2394 of carrier material comprising theactive agent to be released. In some embodiments, a heating element 2306or another wrapping structure provides additional mechanical support.Optionally, attachment of pallet 2394 to mandibles 2391 comprises use ofan adhesive. Optionally, attachment comprises mechanicalinterconnection; for example, one of the mandibles 2391 and pallet 2394is formed with a tab, and the other with a slot, and/or the mandibles2391 are provided with protrusions (for example, a comb of spikes)around which the pallet 2394 is formed.

In some embodiments (e.g. the cross section of dose unit 2380 shown inFIG. 11), a heating element 2386 which wraps pallet 2304 is welded at ajoin 2381 where two sides of the heating element come together.Potentially, this provides an advantage for providing additionalmechanical stability to pallet 2304 (and particularly, for one of theframeless or partially frameless embodiments). Since the weld 2381changes the electrically conductive topology of the heating element2386, electrodes 2331 for providing heating energy to the heatingelement 2386 are optionally placed at opposite sides of the heatingelement (optionally, but not necessarily, in contact with the weldregion 2381 itself).

In some embodiments, vaporization of an isolated bioactive agentcomprises heating by resistive heating element 2306 or other form ofresistive heating element. The resistive mesh optionally comprises amaterial which displays substantial resistive heating; for example,nichrome (typical resistivity of about 1-1.5 μΩ·m), FeCrAl (typicalresistivity of about 1.45 μΩ·m), stainless steel (typical resistivity ofabout 10-100 μΩ·m), and/or cupronickel (typical resistivity of about19-50 μΩ·m). According to the choice of material (e.g., metal),parameters such as heating element length and width, thickness, aperturesize and/or aperture pattern are adjusted to comprise a total resistanceacross the resistive heating element which is, for example, in the rangefrom about 0.05-1Ω, 0.5-2Ω, 0.1-3Ω, 2-4Ω, or within another range havingthe same, higher, lower, and/or intermediate bounds.

Optionally, during assembly, the resistive heating element 2306 isattached to the housing 2301, in a position overlying pallet 2304 on oneor more sides. For example, the resistive heating element 2306 extendsfrom a dorsal surface 2309A to fold around housing end 2311, and extendback along ventral surface 2309B. Optionally, resistive heating element2306 extends around chamber 2303 such that pallet 2304 contained withinchamber 2303 is enclosed by the heating element 2306. In someembodiments, resistive heating element 2306 comprises a plurality ofseparate panels, for example, panels 2356 and 2356A in FIGS. 1C-D, oneon each side of the dose unit 2350. Optionally, the panels areelectrically connected, one to the other. Alternatively, each receivesseparate electrical connections. A potential advantage of havingmultiple and separate panels for the resistive heating element is toallow controllable vaporization to occur in pre-selected regions of thepallet. A potential advantage of two-sided enclosure of pallet 2304(used in some embodiments) is increased speed and/or uniformity ofvaporization upon application of a current to the heating element 2306.In some embodiments, only one panel 2356 of the enclosure is anelectrically resistive element, and the other panel 2356A is optionallya mesh or other air-permeable structure (for example, a porousstructure) which provides mechanical support.

In some embodiments, electrically resistive heating elements 2356, 2356Aare operated simultaneously. In some embodiments, the resistive heatingelements are operated separately. This is a potential advantage, forexample, to allow separate control and/or release of two differentagents, and/or of a one agent in two sequential deliveries. For example,a first heating element (panel, for example) is operated with sufficientenergy to vaporize an agent directly underneath it, but for asufficiently short time or in such heating pattern that the heat doesnot reach all the way through the pallet. At some offset in time(optionally overlapping or entirely separate from the first heating), asecond heating element is operated. Potentially, this is an advantagewhen two substances having different volatilization properties as afunction of time or temperature are to be released (for example, fromtwo different pallet materials). Optionally, the two heating profilesare adjusted to result in simultaneous vaporization. Additionally oralternatively, vaporization of two agents is deliberately offset intime. For example, a pallet comprising a flavoring or masking agent isplaced in the pallet near a heating element where it is vaporized first,and a second agent vaporized shortly thereafter (or the reverse). Thisis a potential advantage, for example, to mask potentially unpleasanttastes, to signal a user as to a status of vaporization in process,and/or to otherwise modify the sensory experience of inhalation.Optionally, each electrode heats across a whole side of the pallet.Alternatively, each heating element is formed so that vaporizationheating occurs only across a portion of the pallet, optionally in adifferent portion for each electrode. In some embodiments, one heatingelement is used to “pre-warm” a pallet to a threshold below active agentrelease, and a second heating element is activated to achieve releaseitself. Potentially, pre-warming followed by release heating shortens aperiod of agent vaporization and/or increases a concentration uponrelease. Potentially, this helps to increase the amount of agentreaching the lungs, and/or to target release to a narrower selectedrespiratory depth.

In some embodiments, resistive mesh 2306 comprises a ratio of open(aperture) to closed (mesh material) surface area of between about 1:1(50%) and 1:3 (33%). In some embodiments, the ratio is in the range ofabout 10-20%, about 20-40%, about 30-50%, about 40-70%, about 60-80%,about 70-90%, or another range of ratios having the same, larger,smaller, and/or intermediate bounds. In some embodiments, the aperturesof the mesh are in the range of about 10 μm, about 25 μm, 32 μm, 50 μm,75 μm, 100 μm, 200 μm, 300-750 μm, 700-1200 μm, or another larger,smaller, or intermediate range. Optionally, at least two apertures havedifferent size and/or shape. In some embodiments, the mesh is a 400/0.03316 stainless steel mesh, with 0.033 mm holes, 400 holes per squareinch, wherein each hole is about 0.033 mm (33 μm), a 0.03 mm thick wire.

In some embodiments, at least one heating element 2306 is embeddedwholly or partially within pallet 2304. Optionally, a heating element2306 is embedded partially or wholly within the frame of a housing 2301.For example, the housing 2301 is originally molded with the heatingelement in place, and/or the heating element 2306 is pressed into placeunder high temperature at another stage of manufacturing. Optionally aplurality of heating elements 2306 are embedded wholly or partiallywithin pallet 2304, such that they may be operated simultaneously orseparately.

FIGS. 1G-H show another embodiment of a dose unit 2370 comprising anembedded heating element 2376 in a frame 2371. In some embodiments,heating element 2376 comprises a heating section 2378 arranged between aplurality of electrode pads 2377. In the assembled dose unit, heatingsection 2378 extends across or within chamber 2303 and across or throughpallet 2304. For example, pallet 2304 is optionally formed by pressingloose material into place around the heating element 2376, embedding it.Optionally, frame 2371 comprises one or more recesses 2377A, whichreceive electrode pads 2377. In some embodiments, additional mechanicalsupport for the pallet is provided by a permeable overlay 2375,extending over at least one side of the dose unit frame 2371. Overlay2375 optionally comprises a polymer mesh or other structure allowing gasflow.

In some embodiments, the heating section 2378 of heating element 2376 isformed as a wire which crosses chamber 2303 one or more times inconnecting to electrode pads 2377. In some embodiments, heating section2378 comprises a mesh, ribbon, or other shape. In some embodiments,heating section 2378 is divided into a plurality of separate parts(branches, layers, or other divisions). In some embodiments, the heatingsection 2378 extends nearby (for example, within 1 mm, within 2 mm, orwithin another larger or smaller distance) substantially all parts ofthe pallet containing the drug substance to be released. This is apotential advantage for obtaining more rapid and/or uniform substancerelease upon heating.

It is to be understood that although electrode contacts 2377 areelectrically separated from one another except as joined by the heatingsection 2378, they need not be placed physically distant from oneanother, depending, for example, on the course(s) run by the heatingsection 2378 itself. Optionally, the electrode contacts are placed onthe same or on different sides of chamber 2303, for example.

In some embodiments, resistive heating element 2306 comprises an etchedresistive foil (for example a foil etched into a continuous ribbon orother shape, and backed by a polymer such as polyimide and/or siliconerubber). Optionally a backed resistive foil is perforated through thebacking to allow airflow during volatilization of the dosing substance.In some embodiments, a fuse is added to the resistive foil, for exampleas an added component, and/or as a region of ribbon manufactureddeliberately thin, so as to provide a method of destroying the heatingelement after use (by sending an appropriately high current through theheating element for a sufficient period of time).

In some embodiments, resistive heating element 2306 is secured tocartridge housing 2301 by pressing the mesh onto the housing using atemperature high enough for the housing to melt and/or soften such thatthe mesh becomes embedded in the material of the housing. In someembodiments, the housing comprises an inert, thermally resistant,non-conducive material. In some embodiments, the housing material usedcomprises, for example, a liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyether etherketone (PEEK), Ultem, Teflon, Torlon, Amodel, Ryton, Forton, Xydear,Radel, Udel, Polypropylene, Propylux, Polysulfone, or another polymermaterial.

A potential advantage of LCP and/or PEEK is good resistance totemperature higher than a temperature needed to vaporize a substanceheld in the cartridge. In some embodiments, bonding of mesh and housingoccurs at a temperature of about 280° C. (or another temperature highenough to melt and/or soften LCP or PEEK). LCP and PEEK provide thepotential advantage of good thermal stability at lower temperatures, forexample, at a vaporization temperature of about 230° C.

A potential advantage of providing a heating element, such as resistiveheating element 2306, for each individual dose unit is to provideuniformity of performance between uses. Potentially, a portion of thebioactive agent with which a heating element comes into contact remainsstuck to the heating element after cool down. This buildup has thepotential to affect vaporization performance. Remote heating (byradiation and/or indirect conductance, for example) potentially producesa system having relatively high thermal inertia (needing greater heatingpower) compared to direct conductive heating by a contact electrode; theproblem of contact electrode contamination is removed by designing itfor single use. A lowered requirement for heating potentially increasessafety and/or device longevity. Potentially, a lowered requirement forheating also lowers demands on power delivery, allowing embodiments withincreased portability, greater charge life, and/or lowered expense (forexample, for systems having battery-powered heating elements).

In some embodiments, dose unit 2300 comprises a locking member for usein dose unit transport. The locking member comprises, for example, alatch mandible 2302. The locking allows engagement by one or morematching members of a dose magazine transport mechanism, for securingand/or movement of the dose unit. Dose unit movement and/or securingagainst unwanted movement may occur during the dose unit life cycle, forexample, when the dose unit is placed into a queue of dose unitscomprising a plurality of dose units arranged for use, when the doseunit is advanced in the queue, when a dose unit is selected for use,when a dose unit is moved into position for use, when a dose unit isactually used, and/or when a dose unit is discarded, or, alternatively,moved to a “used” position in the dose unit queue.

Carousel and Vaporizing Device:

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A-E, which schematically illustrate acarousel-type dose delivery system 2340 for use as a part of an inhalerdevice or even an MDI device, according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, dose delivery system 2340 comprises carousel 2322holding a plurality of dose units 2300 encased by enclosure 2324, andvaporizing apparatus 2321 comprising dose puller 2314 and clampingchamber apparatus 2320. Carousel enclosure 2324 and vaporizing apparatus2321 are attached to one another; carousel 2322 revolves to present doseunits to vaporizing apparatus 2321 in the order of their loading, or inanother order, as selected by operation of carousel 2322.

Optionally, carousel enclosure 2324 (and its contents) is exchangeablefor a new enclosure assembly, for example when some or all dose unitsare spent, expired or need to be replaced to change the dose unitcomposition. The number of dose units carried by an enclosure is, forexample, about 100. Optionally, the number of dose units is anothernumber within the range of 10-200 (for example, 10, 40, 80, 120, 180, or200), or another larger or smaller number. In some embodiments, carouseldiameter is, for example, within the range of about 7-10 cm, or anotherlarger or smaller diameter, according, for example, to the number andsize of dose units to be accommodated. Optionally, carousel 2322comprises identical dose units or a plurality of different dose units(for example, containing different amounts, concentrations, and/orisolated bioactive agent compositions). It is to be understood that acarousel is not the only form of cartridge storage device which isusable with dose units. For example, the dose units can be stored withina spring-loaded magazine-type storage system. A potential advantage of acarousel is free (rather than strictly serial) access during loadingand/or unloading to dose unit positions; for example, to adjust a dosingregimen. Other potential advantages of using a carousel relate tosecured storage, abuse control, safety and other regulatory complianceand requisites.

In an example of an operation cycle, dose puller 2314 is actuated toextend from the vaporizing apparatus into carousel enclosure 2324, whereit attaches to a dose unit 2300, for example, by means of latchmandibles 2302. In some embodiments, the dose puller 2314 “snaps” intoplace within the latch mandibles 2302. In some embodiments, the dosepuller 2314 comprises two parts which move laterally past opposite sidesof, and then close together within the space defined by the mandibles2302 (potentially applying a lower force to the mandibles 2302 and/ordose unit 2300 than a snap-inserting method). A further action draws theactuator back into the vaporizing apparatus, and the attached dose unit2300 along with it. The dosing substance load 2304 of dose unit 2300 isdrawn thereby into communication with an air intake 2312. It is to beunderstood that a dose puller potentially operates in a mode other thantransport by an actuated arm: for example as a dose “pusher”(comprising, for example a spring loaded member in the carousel volumeitself), and/or a magnet (in a pulling mode) or magnets (in a pushing orpulling mode).

In some embodiments, clamping members 2310A and 2310B close on thecartridge, bringing electrodes into place for heating the dosingsubstance for vaporization of the volatile substances within it.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A-B, which schematically illustrateclamping chamber apparatus 2320 for vaporizing and delivery of anisolated bioactive agent from dose unit 2300, according to someembodiments.

Dose unit 2300 is transported into the clamping chamber apparatus 2320,for example by movement of dose puller 2314 while engaged with latchmandible 2302.

In some embodiments, clamping chamber apparatus 2320 (also referred toas vaporizing apparatus) comprises two clamping members 2310A, 2310B,which engage dose unit 2300 during vaporization. In some embodiments,each clamp 2310A, 2310B carries a corresponding electrode 2330A, 2330B,which is positioned to come into pressing contact with resistive heatingelement 2306 or other heating element which form a part of dose unit2300. Electrodes 2330A, 2330B are in turn in electrical contact with apower supply. Heating is effected, in some embodiments, by switchingcurrent through the electrodes 2330A, 2330B, via resistive heatingelement 2306. The electrodes 2330A, 2330B are positioned such thatcurrent follows pathways extending over substantially all of at leastone side (two sides, in the illustrated example) of the dosing substanceload, such that heat may be evenly distributed over and conducted to thesurface of load 2304.

In some embodiments, air flow passes through intake 2312, through heatedpallet 2304, and out of the output aperture 2312B. Optionally, theoutput aperture 2312B is in fluid communication with a tube which isrouted for delivery of the vaporized substances to a user. Optionally,the clamping members 2310A, 2310B comprise portions of the intake 2312and output 2312B. Potentially, this allows the clamp members 2310A,2310B to alternately open to receive dose unit 2300, and close to sealan airway passage around dose unit 2300, so that vaporized isolatedbioactive agent(s) are kept confined to a defined passageway.

After dose delivery, ejection of the dose unit comprises disengagementof dose puller 2314 from latch mandible 2302; for example, by displacingone of the two parts while restraining the other from following, and/orby deforming one of the two parts. For example, puller 2314 is furtherretracted, while dose unit 2300 is prevented from following by arestriction in the size of the slot through which it moves. In someembodiments, disengagement is followed by ejection: for example, thedose unit falls out of its slot, is pushed by a returning action of thedose puller 2314, and/or is otherwise transported out of the devicealtogether. In some embodiments, the dose unit is returned to carousel2322 as a used dose (into the same, or another available slot differentfrom the one it was retrieved from). Optionally, this is performedshortly or immediately at the end of use. Alternatively, the dose unitis ejected in the framework of a next use of the device, in which casethe carousel also advances to present the next dose unit to be used.

In some embodiments, access to doses loaded in the carousel issequentially in the order of their loading. In some embodiments, dosageorder is pre-determined but variable; for example, dosages of differentamounts for administration throughout a period of time are arranged inthat order when the carousel is loaded. In some embodiments, carouselmovement (advancing) is substantially according to a sequence of actionswhich are mechanically coupled to the dose pulling and/or dose returningactions. In some embodiments, carousel movement is under the control ofa controller, for example, a microprocessor-controlled stepper motor orother advancing mechanism. Optionally, the controller tracks whichdosage is in which cartridge slot, and/or its status. Optionally, thecontroller automatically and/or upon command selects an appropriate doseunit, and advances it into position by as many steps as needed to makeit available for pulling. Optionally, this selection allows out-of-orderaccess to dose units in the carousel. Optionally the carousel isadvances as a result of a user actuating the device.

Detachable Vaporizing and Delivery Device:

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A-B, which schematically illustrate aninhaler device for loading from a carousel and separable from thecarousel for vaporizing and delivery of an isolate bioactive agent froma dose unit, according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, functions performed by clamping chamber apparatus2320 are performed by separable parts, such that aclamping/heating/administration subassembly is separable from portionsof a dose storage pulling and transport subassembly, at least for doseadministration to a user. In some embodiments, theclamping/heating/administration assembly 2400 comprises a substantiallycylindrical body (for example, cigarette, cigarillo, cigar, and/or penshaped), which inserts into a receptacle of the dose pulling andtransport assembly. The assembly 2400 comprises a slider mechanism 2410or other structure which is engaged by the transport assembly, and/or isactivated by manual or other external operation.

Optionally, slider mechanism 2410 slides out of the intake end 2440 ofthe assembly 2400 to engage dose unit 2300 with engaging part 2415, asdescribed, for example, in relation to dose puller 2314. Optionally,dose unit 2300 (formed, for example, with a long and narrow pallet 2404)is pulled into the clamping/heating assembly. The clamping/heatingassembly optionally comprises electrodes 2430 which are loaded withspring members 2407, or another means, for pressing against resistiveheating element 2306 to provide electrical contact thereto. Optionally,power for heating is supplied by a battery 2413 connected to electrodes2430 via wires 2414.

Optionally, the battery 2413 is rechargeable, for example, the battery2413 recharges from a supply provided by the main body assembledtogether with the carousel. Optionally, heating begins upon operation ofa control (such as a button), and/or is subject to one or more automaticactivation, modulation, and/or interlock controls, such as heating uponsensing of a change in pressure, and/or air shunt opening to controlspeed and/or amount of dose delivery. During delivery, air is drawnthrough the body 2420 (for example, orally by inhalation), by applyingsuction to end 2450. Air drawn into intake end 2440 is forced bybaffles/conduits 2401, 2408 to pass through the heated pallet 2404,carrying vaporized bioactive gent to end 2450.

A potential advantage of the separable design is to reduce the effortrequired by a user to manage the dosing device at the time of doseadministration. Another potential advantage is to separate the functionsof dosage selection, management, and control from the dosing itself.There is a potential positive psychological effect due the separation ofthe dosing act, which approximates that of a normal e-cigarette, fromthe more clinical aspects of dosage control.

In some embodiments, a removable dose unit comprises a plurality ofseparately heatable regions; for example, material is loaded intodifferent apertures, and/or an aperture which is crossed by a pluralityof separately addressable heating elements. Optionally, the differentloads comprise different isolated bioactive agents. For example, acannabis load is optionally followed by one or more isolated cannabinoidloads such as isolate THC, and/or by loads of a different cannabinoid,such as isolated CBD.

In some embodiments, analog and/or digital circuit logic is used tocontrol which heating element region receives current. For example, eachheating element is optionally deliberately “burned” (by fuse breaking,for example) after use. A suitably arranged sensing circuit detects afirst unused dosing region, and selects it for the next activation. Apotential advantage of this is to allow a dosage to be spread overmultiple inhalations. Another potential advantage is to allow a dosagefor one purpose (for example, a medicinal purpose) to be combined withdosages for another purpose (for example, an alternative medicinalpurpose, or to allow additional inhalations for recreational purposes).Another potential advantage is to allow the use of multiple dose types(for example, different isolated bioactive agents' compositions) for thesake of giving variety to the user's experience.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which schematically illustrates aninterlock-protected dose dispensing apparatus 2500, together with aremovable dose administration assembly 2400, according to someembodiments.

In some embodiments, dispensing apparatus 2500 comprises a plurality ofreceiving apertures 2501, 2502 for the administration assembly 2400. Insome embodiments, aperture 2501 is an aperture from which an unused doseunit 2300C, 2300A is retrieved into administration assembly 2400. Insome embodiments, after a dose unit 2300A is extracted from thedispensing apparatus 2500, the next dose unit 2300C does not advanceinto position until the conditions enforced by an interlock device aremet. In some embodiments, operation of the interlock device comprisesinserting administration assembly 2500 into aperture 2502. Optionally,insertion triggers (for example, by mechanical and/orcontroller-actuated operation) the movement of the carousel such that adose unit 2300C is moved into position. In some embodiments, insertion(optionally insertion and removal) of the administration assembly 2400extracts dose unit 2300A, which now occupies the former position of useddose unit 2400B. Potentially, this interlock mechanism helps to ensurethat only one dose unit at a time is removed from the dispensingapparatus 2500. In some embodiment, advancing of the carousel does notoccur unless dose unit 2300A is sensed within the administrationassembly 2400 upon insertion into aperture 2502. In some embodiments,dose unit 2300A is inserted into administration assembly 2400 such thatit cannot be removed without destruction of dose unit 2300A and/or theadministration assembly 2400.

Inhaler Device:

The dose unit comprising a pallet of one or more isolated bioactiveagents disposed over a carrier material and configured to effectvaporization thereof by a heating element according to some embodiments,can be used in an inhaler device configured to actuate electric currentthrough the heating element and allow passage of air to pass through theheated pallet to carry the vaporized agent to a pulmonary organ of apatient or user. An inhaler device using the dose unit presented hereinmay be a metered dose inhaler (MDI) device.

In some embodiments, the device is configured for precise dosagesuitable for medical purposes. Precise dosage may be effected by using apre-measured amount of the bioactive agent(s) and/or controlling theheat profile (e.g. temperature and/or heating rate and/or duration)applied for vaporization and/or the flow profile (e.g. flow rate and orvariation of flow rate and/or duration). In some embodiments, the deviceis configured for general vaporization of bioactive agent(s) whileprecision requirements be lax.

According to some embodiments, the inhaler device comprises at least onedose unit as described herein, and further comprises an activating unitconfigured to move the dose unit from a storage position into a useposition and actuate passage of current through the heating element, asdescribed hereinabove.

According to some embodiments, the inhaler device further comprises adose unit dispensing apparatus that holds a plurality of dose units.

According to some embodiments, the inhaler device further comprises aclamping chamber apparatus (also referred to as vaporizing apparatus),as described hereinabove.

According to some embodiments, the inhaler device is an MDI deviceessentially as described in International Patent Application No. WO2012/085919 and/or in any one of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNos. 62/035,588, 62/085,772 and 62/086,208, including any one of theembodiments described therein, and any combination thereof.

According to one aspect of some embodiments, there is provided an MDIdevice configured for pulmonary delivery of a pre-determined vaporizedamount of at least one bioactive agent (a pharmacologically activeagent) to a patient, wherein the agent is an isolated bioactive agent,and:

the device is configured to deliver said pre-determined vaporized amountof the agent upon controllably heating a pallet comprising the agent;

the pre-determined vaporized amount is selected such that it affords apre-selected pharmacokinetic profile and/or a pre-selectedpharmacodynamic profile of the agent in the patient; and

the pre-determined vaporized amount is derived by measuring at least onepharmacokinetic (PK) parameter and/or at least one pharmacodynamic (PD)parameter induced by the pulmonary delivering of the agent in thepatient from the MDI device (PK/PD studies). Such PK/PD parameters aregenerally known in the art and discussed hereinbelow, and may bemeasured or estimated according to well established methodologies,referred to herein as PK/PD studies.

According to some embodiments, the MDI device is configured forcommunication with a patient interface circuitry and be integrated in asystem designed to allow PK and/or PD (PK/PD) data acquisition andinput, patient records' storage, automatic or manual calibration,adjustment, resetting and re-determination of the initial presetting ofthe device by the patient and/or by a practitioner, as will be describedin details hereinbelow.

Inter-variability of PK/PD among the cohort of patients is notably lowfor some isolated bioactive agents, and may be afforded by use of anaccurate and consistent MDI device, according to some embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

According to some embodiments, the methods and device presented hereinare also characterized by a high accuracy, consistency, precision andreproducibility, which are expressed by a minimal deviation between theactual vaporized amount of the agent being inhaled by the patient, andthe pre-determined vaporized amount of the agent.

According to some embodiments, the inhaler device for controlledvaporization of at least one active pharmaceutically active agent fromat least one type of substance by application of heat comprises:

at least one dose unit (cartridge) containing a pallet that comprises atleast one isolated bioactive (pharmaceutically active) agent;

a heating element adapted to apply heat to the pallet to vaporize thepharmaceutically active agent; and

a mechanism adapted for moving the cartridge relative to a controllerfor powering the heating element.

According to some embodiments the inhaler device is configured forcontrolled vaporization of at least one active pharmaceutically activeagent from at least one type of substance by application of heat and airflow and accordingly also comprises a mechanism adapted to control airflow through the pallet.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises a plurality of doseunits arranged in a tape, a daisy (carousel) or a magazine. Optionallyor additionally, the pallet is organized with a pre-determined amount ofthe pharmaceutically active agent per unit area of the pallet in eachdose unit in the tape, the daisy or the magazine.

Optionally or additionally, a thickness of the dose unit ranges fromabout 0.1 mm to about 2.0 mm. Optionally or additionally, the tape, thedaisy or the magazine comprises a total of about 5 grams to about 100grams of loaded pallets. Optionally or additionally, the tape, the daisyor the magazine comprises a sufficient amount of the activepharmaceutically active agent for at least two treatments. Optionally oradditionally, the cartridge comprises a first material layer coupled tothe pallet, the first layer comprising apertures large enough to let gasescape but small enough to contain the heated pallet material.Optionally or additionally, a diameter of the apertures ranges from 25μm-500 μm. Optionally or additionally, the cartridge comprises a secondmaterial layer coupled to the pallet, the second layer adapted totransmit heat to the pallet without substantially distributing the heatacross the second layer. Optionally or additionally, the heating elementand the pallet are held between the first and the second layers.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises an inhaler unit, theinhaler unit comprising a mouthpiece for inhalation of thepharmaceutically active agent, the mouthpiece forming fluidcommunication with a vapor chamber of the device, the vapor chambercomprising the vaporized active pharmaceutically active agent.

Optionally, the mouthpiece comprises a one way valve to control fluidflow away from the vapor chamber. Optionally or additionally, the devicefurther comprising a sensor in fluid communication with the mouthpiece,the sensor adapted to estimate an air flow rate and send a signal to acontroller, the controller adapted for vaporizing the pharmaceuticallyactive agent according to the airflow rate.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises a controllerconfigured to synchronize the application of heat with the movement of acartridge and/or with airflow rate effected by inhalation.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises circuitry forcontrolling (controller) activation of the heating element.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises a communicationinterface for communicating to one or more external computers and/orsystems and/or patient/physician interfaces.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises or is associated witha dose display meter for providing visual output of the vaporization ofthe pharmaceutically active agent.

In some embodiments, the device is portable and weighs less than about300 grams.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises or is associated witha memory adapted to hold at least one of prescription data and usagedata, the memory coupled to the controller, the controller adapted tocontrol at least one of the heating element, air flow and the transportmechanism according to the dose and/or regimen data.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises a unique ID adaptedfor tracking the device use by an associated patient.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises a sensor adapted todetect a physical breach of the device.

There is provided in accordance with some embodiments, a method forcontrolled vaporization of an active pharmaceutically active agent froma pallet, the pallet is organized as a cartridge (dose unit), the methodcomprising:

applying heat to an area of the cartridge to vaporize a predeterminedamount of the active pharmaceutically active agent and;

moving the cartridge relative to a heat source.

Alternatively, the heating element is comprised within the cartridge,and the cartridge is moved relative to electrical contacts for poweringthe heating element.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises adjusting at least oneof timing and speed of the moving to vaporize the activepharmaceutically active agent according to a delivery profile.

In some embodiments, the vaporizing comprises vaporizing duringpulmonary delivery.

In some embodiments, the applying heat comprises applying heat to reacha target temperature in less than 500 milliseconds after a start signal.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a method for controlledvaporization of at least one isolated active pharmaceutically activeagent from at least one type of pallet by application of heat, themethod comprising:

heating one or more areas of one or more pallets organized in one ormore cartridges with one user trigger, to release the at least oneactive pharmaceutically active agent. Optionally, the areas comprisedifferent isolated active pharmaceutically active agents.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a method ofmanufacturing a cartridge having pallet comprising an isolated activepharmaceutically active agent, the cartridge adapted for use with adevice for automatically applying localized heat to vaporize thepharmaceutically active agent, the method comprising:

applying at least one, optionally premeasured, amount of an isolatedpharmaceutically active agent in and/or on a pallet material;

optionally measuring the amount of pharmaceutically active agentspresent in and/or on a unit mass of loaded pallet material; and

pressing the pallet into the cartridge.

Optionally, measuring the amount of a pharmaceutically active agentincludes one or more of directly measuring the pharmaceutically activeagent and weighing an amount of material comprising the pharmaceuticallyactive agent.

In some embodiments, pressing particulate loaded pallet material isperformed in a cartridge having apertures with a size smaller than thesize of the particles.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises marking the cartridgewith pre-determined amount of the active pharmaceutically active agent.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a cartridge fortherapeutic drug delivery comprising a pallet loaded with an isolatedactive pharmaceutically active agent, said pallet is loaded with apredetermined amount of the pharmaceutically active agent per unit areaof the cartridge, and a heating element comprised therein.

In some embodiments, a plurality of cartridges is organized as a roll oftape, a carousel (daisy) or a magazine.

Controllable Release and Delivery:

According to an aspect of some embodiments, there is provided a methodfor controllably releasing at least one isolated bioactive agent usingan inhaler device as described herein.

According to some embodiments, the method is carried out using an MDIwhich is capable of delivering reproducibly and accurately, by pulmonaryinhalation, an amount of at least one vaporizable agent by heating apallet comprising the vaporizable agent according to some embodiments,vaporizing the agent effectively and efficiently, and having saidvaporized agent inhaled by the user. Such requirements of an MDI are metby, for a non-limiting example, an MDI as disclosed in InternationalPatent Application No. WO 2012/085919 and in any one of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Nos. 62/035,588, 62/085,772 and/or 62/086,208 whichare incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as if fully setforth herein.

The controllability is afforded by one or more of controlling the amountof the isolated bioactive agent(s) in the dose unit, controlling theheating level applied to the dose unit by controlling the current passedthrough the heating element, and/or the duration thereof, andcontrolling the configuration and/.or air flow via air passages in thedevice which may at times ensure a complete inhalation of the entirevolume which includes the vaporized amount of the bioactive agent.

Controllability of the vaporized amount of the bioactive agent in itsisolated form provides for example means to use the bioactive agent as apharmaceutical agent (a drug; a medicament) having known andsubstantially predictable and reproducible pharmacological parameterssuch as a pharmacokinetic (PK), a pharmacodynamic (PD) profile whichallow the attainment of a desired regimen to fit a known andsubstantially predictable and reproducible therapeutic window. Thus,according to some embodiments, the method of controllably releasing byvaporization and pulmonary delivery by inhaling a pre-determinedvaporized amount of at least one isolated bioactive agent as presentedherein, is effected such that the pre-determined vaporized amount isselected so as to exhibit a pre-selected pharmacokinetic profile and/ora pre-selected pharmacodynamic profile of the agent in the patient.

As used herein, the terms “therapeutic window” and “pharmaceuticalwindow” are interchangeable and refer to the range of pharmacodynamiceffects induced by a range of doses of one or more pharmaceuticallyactive agents, providing a balance between one or more desired(positive) effect(s) and one or more adverse (negative) effect(s).According to some embodiments, the pharmaceutical/therapeutic window isreferred to as a pharmacodynamic profile. The window may relate to agiven point in time or may span a period of time of any length,including for example minutes, hours, days or longer, shorter or to anyintermediate period of time. The desirability and undesirability of aneffect can be defined based on a variety of criteria, and includewithout limitation, medical practices, rules and regulations, culturaland demographic norms, genetic factors and personal preferences andtolerances. For example, the desirability and undesirability of aneffect can be defined based on the purpose of treatment and based ongenerally acceptable values and optionally may take into account otherparameters such as patient preference, capacity and activity. It isnoted that a given effect may be regarded as desired in some cases, butbe regarded as undesired in other cases, and vice versa.

It is noted herein that according to some embodiments, by exhibiting apre-selected pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic profile, it is meantthat the vaporized amount of the isolated bioactive agent has beenpre-determined based on pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studiesconducted according to well established practices and acceptablestandards in at least one subject, by pulmonary delivering to thesubject the agent using an MDI device which is configured to release aconsistent and accurate vaporized amount of the agent upon heating apallet comprising the same, as described herein. It is also noted hereinthat according to some embodiments, by exhibiting a pre-selectedpharmacokinetic profile, it is meant that at least one desiredpharmacokinetic profile has been identified and that at least onepre-determined vaporized amount of the isolated bioactive agent has beenshown to effect that desired pharmacokinetic profile in a subject. It isalso noted herein that according to some embodiments, by exhibiting apre-selected pharmacodynamic profile, it is meant that at least onedesired pharmacodynamic profile has been identified and that at leastone pre-determined vaporized amount of the agent has been shown toeffect that desired pharmacodynamic profile in a subject in areproducible manner. It is also noted that for some isolated bioactiveagents, ingestion and/or injection thereof by a random subject leads tounpredictable and/or inconsistent and/or inoperable pharmacokineticparameters' values, for which the method presented herein may provide ahighly advantageous solution.

In some embodiments, both the terms “pre-selected” and “pre-determined”refer to, or used interchangeably with the terms “intended”, “target”,“desired” or “desirable”, or with the terms “effective”, “needed” and“therapeutic”.

It is also noted herein that the identification of a desiredpharmacokinetic profile and/or a desired pharmacodynamic profile, istypically afforded by conducting PK/PD studies for a particularpharmaceutically active agent in a particular subject or a groupthereof. It is also noted herein that the ability to conduct standardand widely accepted PK/PD studies in a particular subject or a groupthereof for a pharmaceutically active agent, which is delivered byinhalation (pulmonary delivery) upon controllably and reproduciblyreleasing a vaporized amount of an isolated bioactive agent by heating apallet comprising the same, is made possible (enabled) by, for example,an MDI device such as disclosed herein and/or in International PatentApplication No. WO 2012/085919 and in any one of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Nos. 62/035,588, 62/085,772 and/or 62/086,208, all of whichare incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, the term “pre-determined vaporized amount” is alsoused herein to describe the amount of the agent that is determined basedon data indicative of a pharmacokinetic parameter and/or apharmacodynamic parameter, namely a vaporized amount that has beendetermined by monitoring and/or recording and/or receiving and/oranalyzing and/or determining at least one PK parameter and/or PDparameter that is/are induced by a given agent in one or moresubjects/patients.

In some embodiments, configuring the MDI device to release apre-determined amount means calibrating the device to elicit apre-selected PK and/or a pre-selected PD profile. The controllable,accurate and reproducible release of an isolated bioactive agent fromthe dose unit presented herein may allow calibrating an MDI device asprovided herein.

According to some embodiments, the method is carried out by determiningat least one pharmacokinetic parameter (also referred to hereininterchangeably as pharmacokinetic effect) and/or at least onepharmacokinetic variable and/or at least one pharmacodynamic parameter(also referred to herein interchangeably as pharmacodynamic effect), asthese terms are known in the art, which are induced by pulmonarydelivering a vaporized amount of the bioactive agent to a patient usingthe MDI device:

based on the pharmacokinetic parameter and/or the pharmacokineticvariable and/or the pharmacodynamic parameter, determining thepre-determined vaporized amount which exhibits the pre-selectedpharmacokinetic profile and/or the pre-selected pharmacodynamic profileof the agent in the patient; and

adjusting/readjusting/configuring the MDI device to deliver thepre-determined vaporized amount of the agent.

As used herein, the phrase “pharmacokinetic profile” refers to a bodilyconcentration of a pharmaceutically active agent, or a metabolitethereof (e.g., an active metabolite), namely, a concentration of theagent or a metabolite thereof in a physiological system of an organism(whole body, blood, plasma, lymph, tissue, organ and the likes) to whichthe compound has been administered, as a function of time. Typically, apharmacokinetic (PK) profile is considered from a time point ofadministration of the compound to a time point at which the compound isno longer detectable in the organism or a portion of this period oftime; hence, a PK profile may describe the bodily concentration in aspecific physiological system of a specific compound betweenadministration and dissipation, as affected by the mechanisms ofliberation, absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion/secretionof the compound. Since each organism, and each individual organismwithin a genus of an organism, reacts differently to the administrationof the agent, a PK profile may be different, and in some cases highlyvariable from subject to subject, and may be different within anindividual subject based on a current physiological state, medicalcondition, environmental conditions and even the time of day.

According to some embodiments, a pharmacokinetic profile is achieved byproviding a subject with one or more of:

A dose—a single amount of a compound or an agent that is beingadministered thereto;

Dosing—a plurality of pre-determined doses which can be different inamounts or similar; and/or

A regimen—a dosing given at various time intervals, which can bedifferent or similar in terms of duration. In some embodiments, aregimen also encompasses a time of a delivery period (e.g., agentadministration period, or treatment period).

Alternatively, a regimen is a plurality of predetermined pluralitypre-determined vaporized amounts given at pre-determined time intervals.

It is noted that the PK profile can be determined according to a changeof a PK parameter as a function of time, or of a combination of PKparameters a function of time. A PK profile is typically assessed on aconcentration on a time scale, using directly and/or indirectly measuredPK parameters. For example, a PK profile may be a plasma concentrationof a given pharmaceutically active agent in a subject as a function oftime.

The term “pre-selected pharmacokinetic profile”, as used herein, refersto a PK profile which has been selected as desirable. A pre-selected PKprofile may be selected since it has been found effective inaccomplishing a desired pharmacodynamic effect in a subject, asdescribed in any one of the respective embodiments (e.g., to maintain asubject within a therapeutic window, as described herein).

PK parameters typically include, without limitation:

C_(t), which is the concentration of an agent, as determined, measuredor assessed in a specific physiologic system (e.g., in the plasma),after its administration (delivery, e.g., pulmonary delivery) of a doseor a regimen to a subject;

C_(max), which is the peak concentration of an agent, as determined,measured or assessed in a specific physiologic system (typically in theplasma), after its administration to the subject;

T_(max), which is the time passed between administration and arriving atC_(max);

Area under the curve (AUC_(0→∞); zero to infinity), which is theintegral of the concentration curve as a function of time, typicallyafter a single dose or in steady state;

C_(min), which is the lowest concentration of the agent in the organismbefore the next dose is administered;

T_(min), which is the time passed until C_(min) is detected, or untilthe next dose is administered;

C_(last), which is the last observed quantifiable concentration;

λ_(z), which is the terminal phase rate constant; Elimination half-life(t_(1/2)), which is the time required for the concentration of the agentto reach half of its original value; Elimination rate constant (k_(E)),which is the rate at which an agent is removed from the organism;

Administration rate (k_(in)), which is the rate of administrationrequired to balance elimination;

Clearance, which is the volume of plasma cleared of the agent per unittime;

Bioavailability, which is the systemically available fraction of aagent; and

Fluctuation, which is the peak trough fluctuation within one dosinginterval at steady state.

As a tool for assessing the PK profile in a member of a population ofsimilar individual subjects (similar in the biological sense, as in agroup of humans), PK variables, which have been found to be correlatedto a PK profile in a sub-set of the population, may be used togeneralize (extrapolate) the PK profile for each of the individualscomprising the entire population. Pharmacokinetic variables typicallyinclude, without limitation, body weight, body height, body mass index(BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, lean body mass (LBM), age, race, backgroundillnesses, patient history, concurrent medication and gender. It is tobe understood that PK variables depend on genetic and epigeneticcomposition of each individual subject, and therefore can be used topredict PK/PD profiles in an individual subject to a certain degree ofaccuracy; however, personalization/individualization of a treatmentbased on administration of a pharmaceutically active agent is typicallybased on personal PK/PD parameters (data) determined for an individualsubject. In general, deviation of individual parameters from averageparameters set for a wide population are notably small.

In the context of some embodiments, the term “treatment” refers to asingle pulmonary administration of an isolated bioactive agent at agiven dose, a fixed and limited series of pulmonary administrations ofthe agent (dosing) given at the same or different doses at the same ordifferent dosing intervals (regimen), or a chronic treatment which isadministered as the limited series, but without a pre-determined end(continuous treatment). Typically, a series of pre-determined dosesgiven at pre-determined dosing intervals, is referred to herein as atreatment regimen, or a regimen.

According to some embodiments, the dose unit provided herein is aphysical embodiment of a single dose that is used in a single inhalationsession.

According to some embodiments of the method presented herein, pulmonarydelivering the isolated bioactive agent comprises a single dosedelivered as one pre-determined vaporized amount released by the MDIdevice in a single inhalation session, or the dose can be administeredto a patient as several concomitant inhalations. Alternatively, a seriesof doses, each administered in one or more pre-determined vaporizedamount, which is referred to herein as a dosing, and given at apre-determined dosing intervals, is referred to herein as a regimen. Aregimen is therefore defined by one or more doses, administered in oneor more pre-determined vaporized amounts (dosing), at pre-determineddosing intervals, wherein each of the pre-determined vaporized amounts,the doses and the dosing intervals can be the same or different.

In the context of some embodiments, a PK profile of a givenpharmaceutically active agent is a result of the dose, dosing and/orregimen by which an agent is administered to a patient, or,alternatively, according to some embodiments, the PK profile is a meanto afford a particular, a pre-selected or otherwise desiredpharmacodynamic profile of the agent in the patient.

As used herein, the term “pharmacodynamic profile” refers to the effectof a pharmaceutically active agent in a subject as a function of time.Accordingly, the term “pharmacodynamic profile” refers to a sum of allbiological expressions and responses of an organism as a function oftime, upon administration of a pharmaceutically active agent. Apharmacodynamic profile is typically a direct or indirect result ofpharmacokinetic effect(s) at any given time point, or a pharmacokineticprofile of the agent in the patient, over any given time period.

A pharmacodynamic profile represents a change/variation of directlyand/or indirectly determined pharmacodynamic effects as a function oftime.

Pharmacodynamic effects can typically be determined by, withoutlimitation, a desired (therapeutic) effect (e.g., personally perceivedtherapeutic effect), an undesired (adverse) effect (e.g., a personallyperceived adverse effect), and by means of determining a level of abiomarker (which is indicative of a desired and/or an undesired effect),as these terms are described hereinbelow. A pharmacodynamic profilewhich can be a pre-selected (desired) pharmacodynamic profile, accordingto some embodiments, is defined by the therapeutic window of a givenagent in a given subject, as this term is defined herein.

A pharmacodynamic (PD) profile is typically a time-dependent assessmentand/or measurement on a scale going from no response, through the onsetof a desired therapeutic effect (below a therapeutic effect threshold),via the therapeutic window, through the onset of an adverse effect(above an adverse effect threshold), and up to a toxic effect. Apotential advantage of the dose unit, device and methods presentedherein is the enablement to practice administration by inhalation ofparticular isolated bioactive agents, which is conducive to a moreaccurate and reproducible assessment of PD parameters in any givensubject, compared to the assessment of PD parameters when administeringthe same agent by ingestion and/or injection, due to low bioavailabilityassociated with hydrophobicity, viscosity and other agent-specificproperties as discussed hereinabove.

The results of such a PK/PD study, conducted using the dose unit,devices and methods provided herein in one or more subjects, cantherefore be used to determine an initial pre-determined vaporizedamount of at least one pharmacologically active agent that would, onceadministered by an MDI device configured for pulmonary delivery thereof,give rise to an initial pre-selected pharmacokinetic profile and/or aninitial pre-selected pharmacodynamic profile of the agent in aparticular patient, and can further be used to calibrate and presetsimilar MDI devices so as to deliver an initial pre-determined vaporizedamount to achieve similar consistent initial results.

It is noted that according to some embodiments, while a patient/user maystart the pulmonary delivering using an initial pre-determined vaporizedamount which has not been determined based on the patient'spersonal/individual parameters and variables, the method provided hereinincludes an optional step at which the patient's personal parameters andvariables are considered in the determination of the pre-determinedvaporized amount. Thus, according to some embodiments, the method mayinclude personalization of the pre-determined vaporized amount thataffords the pre-selected PK/PD profile. The personalization steppresented may replace a pre-calibration of the MDI device; or as acomplementary step after calibration of the MDI device.

Method of Treatment:

The dose unit provided herein, used in an MDI device configured forreproducible and accurate delivery of a therapeutic amount of anisolated bioactive agent or a combination thereof, can be used to treatmedical conditions which are treatable by the bioactive agent, which isadvantageously administered by pulmonary delivery (inhalation). Such amethod of treatment may be advantageous over other methods particularlywhen the treatment is carried out using an isolated bioactive agent thatis difficult to administer by other modes administration, or that othermodes administration thereof are ineffective or inefficient.

According to an aspect of some embodiments, there is provided a methodof treating a patient suffering from a medical condition which istreatable by pulmonary delivery (inhalation) of at least onepre-determined vaporized amount of at least one isolated bioactiveagent.

The method, according to some embodiments, is carried out by pulmonarydelivering by voluntary inhalation vapors of the isolated bioactiveagent to the patient from a metered dose inhaler device configured tocontrollably release at least one pre-determined vaporized amount of theagent upon controllably heating a pallet comprising the agent.

According to some embodiments, the pre-determined vaporized amount ofthe agent is selected so as to exhibit at least one pre-selectedpharmacokinetic profile and/or at least one pre-selected pharmacodynamicprofile of the agent in the patient.

In some embodiments, the isolated bioactive agent is an isolatedcannabinoid such as, but not limited to Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC),dronabinol ((−)-trans-THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerols (CBG),cannabichromenes (CBC), cannabinol (CBN), cannabinodiol (CBDL),cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabielsoin (CBE), cannabidivarin (CBDV),tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabitriol (CBT) and any combinationthereof. Other isolated and vaporizable bioactive agents arecontemplated in the context of some aspects and embodiments of thedisclosure.

According to some embodiments, the isolated bioactive agent comprises acannabinoid and a terpene and/or a flavinoid.

Non-limiting representative medical conditions, treatable by pulmonarydelivering a vaporizable isolated bioactive active agent such ascannabinoids with optional terpenes and/or optional flavinoids, includewithout limitation, alcohol abuse, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,anorexia nervosa, anxiety disorders, appetite variations, asthma,atherosclerosis, bipolar disorder, bladder dysfunction, chronicobstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), collagen-induced arthritis,colorectal cancer, Crohn's disease, delirium, digestive diseases,Dravet's Syndrome, drug addiction and craving, dystonia, epilepsy,fibromyalgia, generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+),glaucoma, gliomas, hepatitis C, HIV-associated sensory neuropathydepression, Huntington's disease, hyper tension, increased intra ocularpressure, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), insomnia, irritable bowelsyndrome (IBS), lack of appetite, leukemia, migraines, movementdisorders, multiple sclerosis (MS), nausea, neurogenic pain, neuropathicpain, nociceptive pain, Parkinson's disease, phantom pain, posttraumaticstress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual syndrome, pruritus, psychiatricdisorders, psychogenic pain (psychalgia or somatoform pain), seizures,septic and cardiogenic shock, sexual dysfunction, skin tumors, sleepapnea, spasticity, spinal cord injury, tics, Tourette symptoms, tremors,unintentional weight loss and vomiting.

According to some embodiments, the method is carried out by use of anMDI device which is configured to release a pre-determined vaporizedamount such that a deviation of an actual vaporized amount of theisolated bioactive agent, from the pre-determined vaporized amount ofthe agent, is 20% or less, 15% or less, 10% or less, or 5% or less ofthe pre-determined vaporized amount.

According to some embodiments, the method is carried out such that adeviation of an actual pharmacokinetic profile from the pre-selectedpharmacokinetic profile is 40% or less than of the pre-selectedpharmacokinetic profile. Alternatively, the deviation is 35% or less,30% or less, 25% or less, or 20% or less. It is noted that the deviationcan be in the pharmacokinetic profile or in one or more pharmacokineticparameters composting the profile, e.g., C_(t) or C_(max). Suchdeviations are expected to be low, even for isolated bioactive agentsfor which ingestion and/or injection thereof has been founddisadvantageous, due to the low inter-variability of PK parametersobtained when using the dose unit provided herewith in an accurate,consistent and precise MDI device as presented herein.

According to some embodiments, the method is carried out such that adeviation between the perceived PD profile from the pre-selected PDprofile at any given time point is 25% or less, 20% or less, 15% orless, 10% or less, or 5% or less. The deviation between the perceived PDprofile from the pre-selected PD profile at any given time point can beassessed by determining a PD parameter, as discussed hereinabove. Thedeviation is expected to be low also due to the low inter-variability ofPK parameters discussed hereinabove.

Since the device can be configured to deliver any accurate amountconsistently so as to exhibit any pre-selected PD profile in thepatient, the device and the method presented herein can effect apre-selected PD profile which can be finely controlled so as to be:

within a level lower than a minimal level of a therapeutic effect (belowthe therapeutic window);

ranging within a minimal level of said therapeutic effect to a maximallevel of said therapeutic effect in which an adverse effect isacceptable, namely substantially low or not exhibited or not perceived(within the therapeutic window); and

within a level higher than a minimal level an adverse effect (above thetherapeutic window).

As discussed hereinabove, according to some embodiments, thepre-selected PD profile corresponds to the therapeutic window of theagent in the patient, namely ranges within a minimal level of a desiredeffect and a level of an undesired effect.

In some embodiments, the pre-selected PD profile ranges between aminimal level of a desired effect to a minimal level of an undesiredeffect.

In some embodiments, the pre-selected PD profile ranges between aminimal level of a desired effect to a level higher than a minimal levelof a undesired effect.

In some embodiments, the pre-selected PD profile ranges between aminimal level of the therapeutic effect to a maximal level of thetherapeutic effect in which an adverse effect is acceptable.

At any pre-selected PD profile, the method and device provide highaccuracy and reproducibility; hence, according to some embodiments, thedeviation of the perceived pharmacodynamic profile from the pre-selectedpharmacodynamic profile at any given time point is 25% or less, 20% orless, 10% or less or 5% or less below the pre-selected PD profile,and/or 25% or less, 20% or less, 10% or less or 5% or less above saidpre-selected PD profile.

A non-limiting example of a medical condition treatable by pulmonarydelivering a vaporizable pharmaceutically active agent, is pain, whichis treatable by pulmonary delivery of dronabinol vaporized from a doseunit as presented herein.

Interface and System:

The dose unit (cartridge), inhaler device and methods presented hereinare highly suitable for personalization, self-titration, mechanizationand automatization of an otherwise complex and challenging mode ofadministration and treatment of a variety of medical conditions whichare treatable by inhalation of one or more bioactive agents; while anypersonalized treatment protocol according to pharmaceutical guidelinesand requirements presents challenges, a reproducible and controllabletreatment based on pulmonary delivery of active agents vaporized by heatis a non-trivial task by any standards.

Once the problem of accuracy, consistency and reproducibility have beensolved, as done, for example, with the MDI device disclosed herein andin WO/2012/085919; and once the need for calibrating and presetting thedevice to stay within a desired therapeutic window, based on widelyaccepted PK/PD experimental parameters has been served, the presentinventors have conceived an integrated system that can control thedevice for pulmonary delivery of isolated bioactive agents using inputcollected from a variety of sources so as to provide a highlypersonalized and effective treatment for any given patient, also in realtime.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a system comprising an MDI device, aphysician interface and/or a patient interface, according to someembodiments.

In some embodiments, MDI device 901 is configured to communicate with aphysician interface 903 and/or with a patient interface 905. In someembodiments, MDI device 901 is configured to receive input from one orboth of the interfaces 903 and/or 905. Additionally or alternatively,MDI device 901 is configured to send output to one or both of theinterfaces 903 and/or 907.

In some embodiments, communication between the system components isperformed via one or more data transfer means such as a USB connection,a cable connection, a wireless connection, and/or any suitable wiredand/or wireless communication protocol.

In some embodiments, communication between the system components isperformed through one or more communication modules, such ascommunication module 907 of MDI device 901, communication module 909 ofphysician interface 903, and/or communication module 911 of patientinterface 905.

In some embodiments, MDI device 901 comprises a controller 913,configured, for example, to activate heating of the pallet to therebyvaporize the active agent, control the heating profile and/or activationof heat, control a cartridge feed mechanism of the MDI device, read datafrom a memory 919 of MDI device 901, control power usage, and/or otherfunctions. In some embodiments, controller 913 communicates with amemory 919. Optionally, memory 919 is configured to store prescriptiondata, personal usage data, patient details, personal PD parametersobtained from the patient, dose, dosing and/or regimen modifications,parameters obtained from the patient in response to a change in a doseand/or regimen, and/or other values or information. In some embodiments,controller 913 activates pulmonary delivery of the active agentaccording to dose, dosing and/or regimen data stored in memory 919.

In some embodiments, memory 919 is configured to store usage data and/orfeedback data from the patient with respect to a specific dose and/orregimen and/or with respect to a pre-selected (desired) PD profile ofthe active agent in the patient.

In some embodiments, physician interface 903, comprising, for example,one or more of a controller 915, a memory 921 and/or a communicationmodule 909, is configured on a personal computer (tablet computer,laptop computer, desktop computer, or others), a mobile device such as asmartphone, a handheld device, a wearable device, a wrist device or anintegrated eyewear device, a clinic or hospital monitor and/or any othersuitable device. Optionally, the physician is provided with remoteaccess to MDI device 901. Additionally or alternatively, physicianactivates MDI device 901 directly. In some embodiments, the physicianpre-programs (pre-calibrates or presets) MDI device 901 with apre-determined vaporized amount (dose, dosing and/or regimen) suitablefor an individual patient. In some embodiments, data is sent fromphysician interface 903 to patient interface 905, for example forinstructing the patient or for effecting preset adjustments.

In some embodiments, patient interface 905, comprising, for example, oneor more of a controller 917, a memory 923 and/or a communication module911, is configured on a personal computer (tablet computer, laptopcomputer, desktop computer, or others), a mobile device such as asmartphone, and/or on MDI device 901 itself.

In some embodiments, patient interface 905 receives an input 929. Theinput may be received from one or more of the patient, the physicianinterface, the database server, the MDI device. Examples of varioustypes of inputs may include a dose and/or regimen defined by thephysician and received on the physician interface, a current personal PDparameter of the patient, inserted by the patient and/or obtained fromthe patient, personal usage statistics recorded for example on thedatabase server and/or on the memory of the MDI device, an indication ofinhalation duration and/or inhalation volume sensed by the MDI device,and/or other types of input.

In some embodiments, patient interface 905 comprises a display 927.

Optionally, the display is an interactive display, for example a touchscreen of a smartphone, a handheld device, a wearable device, a wristdevice or an integrated eyewear device.

In some cases, certain functions such as transferring data to thephysician, accessing the database to acquire information such asuser/patient instructions, and/or other functions are enabled by patientinterface 905, while other function such as modifying the pre-determinedvaporized amount (dose), dosing and/or regimen, viewing protocols ofother patients, and/or other functions are not permitted by patientinterface 905. Optionally, the physician sets the patient interfaceaccess definitions per an individual patient.

In some embodiments, patient interface 905 and/or MDI device 901 areconfigured to notify the patient every time a pulmonary delivery (aninhalation) is due. Optionally, the notice is provided automaticallybased on a scheduled dosing (regimen) stored in the memory. Additionallyor alternatively, the notice is set by the patient. Additionally oralternatively, the notice is issued by the physician.

In some embodiments, one or more of the system components communicateswith a database server 925, by receiving input from the database and/orsending out information to the database. In some embodiments, thedatabase comprises individual data of the patient, for example includingmedical history of the patient, data transmitted by MDI device 901,input data from the physician, input data from the patient, and/or otherinformation. Optionally, the database server is configured to performcalculations on the data. In some embodiments, database server 925comprises collective data, including, for example, one or more ofclinical experiment results, results of other patients, research data,and/or other data. Optionally, database server 925 communicates with aplurality of treatment systems being used by various patients. Data fromvarious interactions between patients and the MDI device is collected inthe central database, continuously learning individual usage patterns ofpatients and recommending dose, dosing and/or regimen accordingly.Utilizing the collective user database may improve generating ofaccurate predictive dose, dosing and/or regimen for current and newpatients, improving the overall therapeutic success rate of thetreatment.

In some embodiments, according to personal feedback data obtained fromthe patient using MDI device 901 and/or by patient interface 905, thepre-determined vaporized amount (dose, dosing and/or regimen) isautomatically modified by controller 917 of the patient interface and/orby controller 913 of the MDI device to compensate for inadequatesettings or misuse of the MDI device, for example in a situation inwhich the patient does not use the MDI device when instructed to, and/oruse the MDI device is carried out at a timing different than the presetregimen. One or more actions may be taken in response, for examplepostponing the next dose, increasing or decreasing the next dose (and/orfollowing doses), and/or otherwise altering the regimen.

In some embodiments, a patient using MDI device 901 may wish to scheduletheir dose, dosing and/or regimen in a way in which possible adverseeffects least interfere with the patient's daily activities. Whilecertain adverse effects are tolerable in a home setting or at certaintime of day, and are an acceptable tradeoff for symptom relief, theseadverse effects may be undesirable when the patient is engaged inactivities such as driving, attending a meeting, and/or otheractivities. Optionally, using patient interface 905 and/or by directlyactivating MDI device 901, the patient schedules a dose, dosing and/orregimen in a manner that least interferes with their planned activities.

Additionally or alternatively, MDI device 901 and/or patient interface905 are configured to actively impose a certain dose and/or regimen, forexample based on input from the patient. In an example, the patientinserts their planned daily activities and timing of those activities,and the dose, dosing and/or regimen is automatically modifiedaccordingly. Optionally, the dose, dosing and/or regimen isautomatically modified to ensure that the patient is in a suitablecondition to perform the planned activity, for example ensuring thatduring driving the level of an adverse effect is relatively low or notperceived.

In some embodiments, the patient may voluntarily modify the dose, dosingand/or regimen, for example using patient interface 905. Optionally, theextent of modifications is limited, to prevent a condition in which thepatient is at risk, for example preventing overdosing.

In some embodiments, the patient may simply use MDI device 901, evenwhen not specifically instructed to. In such a case, the next doseand/or regimen may be automatically modified in response to the usage.Optionally, the patient is notified about modifications in the doseand/or regimen through patient interface 905.

Additionally or alternatively, the physician is notified about suchchanges, for example through physician interface 903.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for prescribing a regimen to a patientusing an MDI device for delivery of at least one active agent, accordingto some embodiments.

In some embodiments, a physician may decide to treat a patient byeffecting a pulmonary delivery of one or more active agents by an MDIdevice (1001).

In some embodiments, patient data such as one or more of, for example,PK variables (e.g., age, gender, BMI etc.), pathophysiological status,pharmocogenetic and/or pharmacogenomic variables and/or other parametersare inserted to the system (1003), for example by the physician and/orother clinical personnel. Optionally, the patient's parameters andpersonal variables are inserted using the physician interface.

In some embodiments, a suggested dose, dosing and/or regimen isgenerated (1005). Optionally, the dose, dosing and/or regimen isgenerated automatically, for example by software of the physicianinterface. Additionally or alternatively, the dose, dosing and/orregimen is planned by the physician. In some embodiments, the dose,dosing and/or regimen is generated by matching the inserted patient datato a predefined dose and/or regimen using data from a database, oraccording to personal feedback data, or for example according to a lookup table.

In some embodiments, a simulation of an expected PK/PD profile of thepatient for the selected dose, dosing and/or regimen is produced (1007).In some embodiments, an expected PK/PD profile, including for exampletherapeutic effects and/or adverse effects is simulated. In someembodiments, by correlating between the pharmacodynamic profile and/orpharmacokinetic profile and the patient's personal data, a therapeuticwindow is selected. Optionally, the PK/PD profile simulations and/or thepre-selected therapeutic window are graphically displayed to thephysician, for example on a display of the physician's interface. Whenconsidering the simulations, a physician may decide to modify the dose,dosing and/or regimen to better suit (personalized) it to the patient(1009). In some cases, the physician may decide to change proposed doseand/or regimen parameters such as one or more of dose, dosing, regimenor total treatment duration, and/or other treatment parameters.

In some cases, treating includes administering two or more bioactiveagents from one, two or more pallets, simultaneously or sequentially, toobtain a desired therapeutic effect in the patient. The system,according to some embodiments, provides the ability to use the MDI fordelivering more than one pharmaceutically active agents (from one ormore pallets) at any ratio or pre-determined vaporized amounts so as toexhibit a pre-selected PD profile (e.g., maintaining an individualpatient within the therapeutic window calculated per the patient). Insome embodiments, different doses are selectively administered accordingto a regimen so as to prevent adverse effects while still alleviatingsymptoms.

In some embodiments, the selected (and optionally refined) dose, dosingand/or regimen is prescribed to the patient (1011).

In some embodiments, as a follow up and over a time period in which thepatient is treated (e.g., over several hours, over a day, over a week,over a month, and/or intermediate, longer or shorter periods), thephysician receives one or more indications such as indications relatingto the patient's general usage of the device, indications relating todose, dosing and/or regimen administered to the patient, dose units usedby the patient, one or more personal PD parameters of the patient, forexample relating to the presence of adverse effects, such as thepsychoactive level and/or indications relating to the symptom intensitysuch as the pain level, and/or a level of one or more biomarkers and/orother indications (1013). Optionally, one or more indications areprovided in real time. Additionally or alternatively, the indicationsare provided at the end of a pulmonary delivery of the agent.Additionally or alternatively, the indications are provided on demand ofthe physician.

Additionally or alternatively, the patient decides when to sendindications to the physician.

In some embodiments, the indications are transmitted to the physician bythe MDI device and/or by the patient interface, automatically and/or inresponse to an instruction from the physician and/or the patient.Optionally, one or more indications are stored in the database forfuture reference.

In some embodiments, based on the provided indications, the dose, dosingand/or regimen is adjusted or otherwise modified (1015). Optionally,modification is performed in real time. In some embodiments, a specificdose, dosing and/or regimen is modified, optionally in real time. Insome embodiments, the dose and/or regimen is modified while taking intoaccount upper and lower PD parameter limits defined individually per thepatient. An upper limit may allow dose, dosing and/or regimen abovewhich substantial adverse effects are present. A lower limit may allowdose and/or regimen below which a symptom, which was intended to betreated by delivery of the active agent, is not sufficiently alleviated.

FIGS. 8A-D are a schematic diagram (FIG. 8A) and print screens (FIGS.8B-D) of a physician interface for selecting and prescribing a dose,dosing and/or regimen to a patient, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8A illustrates a general display 1107 of a physician interface. Insome embodiments, patient data is inserted by the physician throughinput 1109.

In some embodiments, a graphical display of an expected and/orpre-selected pharmacokinetic profile 1111 and/or an expected and/orpre-selected pharmacodynamic profile 1113 is presented to the physician.Optionally, one or more of the profiles are shown, separately ortogether, with respect to a time series 1115, including, for example, aduration (e.g., an hourly scale) over which a patient is treated. Insome embodiments, a therapeutic window 1117 is defined, setting an upperlimit 1119 and a lower limit 1121. In some embodiments, the dose, dosingand/or regimen is selected so as to have the expected and/orpre-selected PK/PD profiles fit within a range of the therapeutic window1117.

In some embodiments, a limit is defined as a constant value, presentedas a straight line, for example as shown in FIG. 8A. Alternatively, alimit may comprise a varying set of values, and be presented as a curvedline. For example, lower limit 1121 represents a desirable therapeuticeffect, upper limit 1119 represents an acceptable adverse effect, and ahigher C_(max) threshold of the pharmacokinetic profile may be set foran initial part of the treatment, for example to accelerate symptomrelief, and the C_(max) threshold may decrease as the treatmentcontinues as desired. In some embodiments, a dose and/or regimen isselected and/or adjusted to achieve an initial buildup of the activeagent in the patient, for example at an initial part of the treatment,and then to provide on-going dosing for maintaining the patient in asteady state (maintenance dosing). In general, an initial buildup of theagent is based on a relatively large amount of the agent compared to theamounts given at the maintenance dosing.

In some embodiments, for example when refining a pre-determiningvaporized amount of the agent (dose, dosing and/or regimen) for anindividual patient, a physician may perform one or more of raisingand/or lowering of limit 1119 and/or limit 1121, raising and/or loweringthe peaks of profile 1113 and/or of profile 1111, extending and/orshortening a treatment duration along the time axis, and/or othermodifications.

It is noted that the graphic representation is shown herein as anexample, and that various graphic representations such as a bar graphmay be used. In some embodiments, the profile 1111 and/or profile 1113may be presented in a non-continuous manner, for example as a set ofpoints.

FIG. 8B illustrates a simulation of an expected pharmacokinetic profileof a patient using a pre-determined vaporized amount delivered accordingto a pre-determined regimen, according to some embodiments. In thisexample of a physician interface screen, a physician may fill in patientdata 1101 (such as gender, weight, height, administered drug, patient IDand/or other data), and obtain a pharmacokinetic profile extrapolationof the individual patient, as shown for example by graph 1103,simulating the plasma concentration of an active agent in the patientover time.

Similarly, FIG. 8C illustrates an expected pharmacodynamic profileextrapolation 1105 of the individual patient, showing an adverse effectlevel in the patient over time.

FIG. 8D shows a physician interface print screen, according to someembodiments. A simulated pharmacokinetic profile is represented by graph1103 and a simulated pharmacodynamic profile is represented by graph1105, which are displayed on a time series axis 1115, in this examplerepresenting an 8-hour period. A pharmacodynamic parameter scale of thepatient is visually divided into sections indicating, for example, an“in pain” state (below a therapeutic effect level), indicating “optimum”state (within the therapeutic window) and indicating, for example,“psychoactive” state (above an adverse effect level) as defined per theindividual patient, and the simulated PK/PD profiles as graphs are shownwith respect to these sections. In this simulation, a first dose isprovided at 8:00, resulting in a change of both the pharmacodynamic andpharmacokinetic parameters, going up from the “in pain” section into the“optimum” section. A second dose, provided at 11:00, is shown tomaintain the patient within “optimum” (the therapeutic window).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for obtaining feedback data from apatient and modifying/adjusting a dose and/or regimen accordingly,according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, a personal PD parameter of the patient is obtained(1201). In some embodiments, the PD parameter relates to an adverseeffect such as a psychoactive level, a therapeutic effect such as a painlevel, and/or a change in any of those levels thereof. The PD parametermay include an absolute quantification of the level, and/or a relativequantification of the level, assessed, for example, with respect to alevel measured before a delivery of single dose and/or before a deliveryof dosing and/or regimen. The PD parameter may be obtained before,during and/or after a delivery of single dose and/or before, duringand/or after a delivery of dosing and/or regimen and/or before, duringand/or after a general time period over which treatment is provided tothe patient.

In some embodiments, the PD parameter is provided directly by thepatient, for example using the patient interface. In some embodiments,the patient can manually adjust a visual representation of the PDparameter, based on a personal determination of the level of the PDparameter. In an example, the patient may raise or lower a bar on agraph indicating a pain level, for example on a touch screen of acellular phone and/or any other personal device on which the patientinterface is configured.

In some embodiments, patients who are unable to articulate levels of thePD parameter may utilize an interactive set of tools to assist them indetermining their current level of the PD parameter, for example asfurther described herein.

Additionally or alternatively to a conscious, personally perceived PDparameter indicated by the patient, a personal PD parameter such as abiomarker is obtained by the patient interface and/or by the system, forexample using a sensor. In some embodiments, one or more standardcomponents of a cellular phone and/or personal computer on which thepatient interface is configured as acts as a sensor for obtaining theparameter. Some components which may be used as sensors for obtaining PDparameters from the patient may include: a touch screen, may be used forexample to assess dexterity, eye-hand coordination, and/or a memory andcognition state; a gyroscope, accelerometer, proximity sensor and/orgesture sensor such as IR sensor may be used, for example, to assessmotor skills; a camera and/or light source may be used, for example, todetect visual tracking, saccade variance, eye vascular expansion, pupildilation and/or pulsation; an RGB illumination may be used, for example,to assess environmental perception; a magnetometer and/or GPS may beused, for example, to assess orientation; a speaker and/or microphonemay be used, for example, to assess auditory and/or vocal skills; atemperature and/or humidity sensor may be used, for example, to assess abody temperature.

In some embodiments, the MDI device is configured to obtain personalfeedback data. In an example, the MDI device comprises a flow sensorand/or a pressure sensor. Optionally, a breathing related indication ofthe patient is obtained using the flow and/or pressure sensor. In someembodiments, the sensor is adapted to detect a volume of inhalation.Since a correlation may exist between inhalation volume and a PDparameter, such as a pain level, in some embodiments, a flow and/orpressure measurement is initiated to determine a PD parameter in thepatient.

Once one or more personal PD parameters are obtained, the dose and/orregimen may be modified accordingly (1203). In some embodiments, thedose and/or regimen is modified, on one hand, to improve or otherwisechange a condition of the patient based on the provided indication, and,on the other hand, to achieve a pre-selected pharmacodynamic profile,such as maintaining the patient within the therapeutic window—between alower limit of a therapeutic effect that provides symptom relief, and ahigher limit of an adverse effect in which the adverse effect level isstill tolerable. In some embodiments, the MDI device can be configuredsuch that when below a minimal therapeutic effect, input by the patientmay increase the dose and/or adjust the regimen in frequency and/or inquantity. Optionally, the dose and/or regimen is modified to obtain alevel above a minimal therapeutic effect.

Additionally or alternatively, the dose and/or regimen is modified asmuch as the maximal level of an adverse effect permits.

FIGS. 10A-E are print screens of a patient interface (FIG. 10A, FIG.10C, FIG. 10E), and graphic representations of an expectedpharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles of the patient before andafter input of personal PD parameter of the patient is obtained (13B and13D respectively), according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10B presents a calculated 3-hours regimen for a certain patient(Patient X, 35 years old and has a BMI of 22). According to an examplefor a calculated regimen, to maintain Patient X within the therapeuticwindow for 3 hours effected a PK profile presented by the red curve inFIG. 10B, Patient X is required to be subjected to pulmonary delivery ofan active agent using an MDI device according to some embodiments, atthe following times and doses: 00 minutes-1.2 mg; 10 minutes-1.0 mg; 60minutes-0.5 mg. The blue curve represents an example for a calculated PDprofile at the indicated doses. As seen, the calculated regimenmaintains Patient X within limit levels, namely below the adverse effectlevel and above the therapeutic effect level, namely at a therapeuticwindow 1303 ranging between 2.5 to 7.5 on the exemplified adversepsychoactivity effect scale.

In FIG. 10C, during and/or after treatment, Patient X indicates a wishto alter the adverse effect limit, for example by raising apsychoactivity level bar 1301 on the patient interface screen. Byraising the bar, the patient may indicate he is willing to increase thetolerable level of an adverse psychoactive effect. The therapeuticwindow, as shown in FIG. 10D, is then redefined based on the patient'sinput—for example, the window is narrowed to a range of 2.5 to 5 on thepsychoactivity scale.

The currently administered dose and/or regimen may then be modifiedaccordingly. For example, a pre-determined vaporized amount that isplanned for pulmonary delivering at, for example, 60 minutes from theinitial pulmonary delivering is reduced from 0.5 mg to 0.3 mg, inattempt to lower the level of an adverse effect (psychoactive effect)the patient is experiencing.

In some embodiments, the dose and/or regimen is automatically modified,based on the patient's input. Additionally or alternatively, the patientinput and/or the simulated profiles are transferred, automaticallyand/or on demand of the patient, to the physician, and the physicianmodifies the regimen.

It is noted that the sensitivity of a patient to the therapeutic and/oran adverse effect may vary throughout the day for a patient, e.g.,demonstrating higher pain sensitivity in the evening, diminishedcognitive abilities in the morning, thus less susceptive to atherapeutic effect in the evening, or more susceptive to an adverseeffect in the morning.

Additionally or alternatively to an adverse effect level, a patient mayindicate their therapeutic effect level and/or other conditions, and thedose and/or regimen will be modified accordingly.

FIG. 10E shows an example for a patient interface application includingan adjustable slider 1305, moveable by the patient. In some embodiments,the application presents to the patient an estimation of a currentcondition, calculated based on one or more of following: thepre-determined dose, dosing and/or regimen, previous input obtained fromthe patient, for example including biomarkers and/or other direct and/orindirect personal PD parameters, treatment and effect history for theindividual patient, usage record of the patient, a medical condition ofthe patient, information from a collective database, and/or otherinformation.

During treatment and/or following treatment, the patient may drag theslider to reflect their perceived PD profile. For example, if thepatient experiences a complete therapeutic effect (e.g., patient is nolonger in pain), the patient may move the slider to an “optimal” state(e.g., to a “psychoactive” state).

Using input obtained from the patient, the patient interface mayautomatically modify the next dose and/or regimen. In some embodiments,an indication of the modification 1307 is displayed to the patient, forexample notifying the patient that the next dose is increased in amount.Optionally, the application is configured to request confirmation 1309from the patient to change the dose, dosing and/or regimen.

In some embodiments, the input from the patient and/or the modifiedsettings are automatically transferred to the physician interface. Insome cases, the physician may decide to manually change the newlydefined dose and/or regimen settings.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method for measuring one or more biomarkersusing a personal portable device and/or using the MDI device, andmodifying the dose and/or regimen accordingly, according to someembodiments.

In some embodiments, one or more biomarkers are measured (1401). In someembodiments, the biomarkers indicate the existence and/or extent ofadverse effects in a treated patient. Optionally, the biomarker measuresare used for determining a therapeutic window for an individual patient,and/or for controlling the dose and/or regimen to maintain the patientwithin the therapeutic window.

Adverse effects, such as cognitive impairment and other psychoactiveeffects, may differ between patients given various genetic andbiological traits. Therefore, in some embodiments, individualbiomarkers, such as CNS biomarkers, are obtained from the patient,using, for example, one or more sensors in the system, and/or one or onemore sensors configured in the patient interface device, such ascellular phone sensors for example as described hereinabove.

Some non-invasive biomarker assessment methods may include one or moreof saccadic eye movement assessment (such as saccadic movement), memorytesting, adaptive tracking, finger tapping assessment, body swayassessment, visual analog scale match, and/or other assessment methods.

In some embodiments, various known in the art non-invasive biomarkertests such as cognitive tasks may be performed, including, for example,reaction time, attention, visuospatial span, name recall, narrativerecall, face recall, name—face association, construction, verbalfluency, object naming, implicit memory, logical reasoning and/or othercognitive tasks.

In some embodiments, the biomarker measures are communicated to thephysician (1403). Optionally, the PD parameter measures are stored in amemory of the MDI device and/or a memory of the patient interface.Additionally or alternatively, the PD parameter measures are uploaded toa database. Optionally, the PD parameter measures are compared to PDparameter measures stored in the database, including, for example,previous PD parameter measures of the individual patient, PD parametermeasures of other patients, PD parameter measures from literature, etc.

In some embodiments, the dose and/or regimen is modified according tothe PD parameter measures (1405).

FIGS. 12A-C are print screens of a patient interface comprising variousapplications for obtaining PD parameter data and/or for assisting apatient in determining a vaporized amount of the agent (dose and/orregimen), according to some embodiments.

In the application shown herein by way of example, which may beinstalled on a personal portable device such as a cellular phone and/ora tablet computer, a patient interactively performs one or more tasks,which may be incorporated as a part of a game or the like, based on apersonal PD parameter which can be assessed based on the task. In someembodiments, an adverse effect level, such as a psychoactive level ofthe patient, is automatically deduced by the application. Additionallyor alternatively, the application assists the patient in articulatingtheir perceived therapeutic and/or adverse effect, which can then beprovided as an input to the system.

The tasks shown herein for example include tracking a target with afinger (FIG. 12A), visually tracking a target (FIG. 12B), aligning atarget (FIG. 12C).

Other applications may include for example various personal PD parametermeasurements using activities and methods known in the art, such assimulated driving, card sorting, arithmetic skill testing, timeestimation, symbol copying, adaptive tracking, reaction time, pictureand/or wording skills, and/or other applications, for example asdescribed hereinabove.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an inhaler device configured toprovide automated controlled pulmonary delivery of one or more activeagents, according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, device 1601 comprises dose unit dispenser 1603,e.g., a dispenser for the pallet that contains the pharmaceuticallyactive agent and allows the pharmaceutically active agent to bevaporized therefrom. In some embodiments, the dose unit dispensercomprises, or is in communication with, a source of at least one palletfrom which the active agent originates, and a mechanism for processingthe dose unit to obtain a deliverable active agent, for example asdescribed hereinabove.

The pallet may comprise various forms, such as, for example, a solidbulk, solid particles or a powder. Optionally, the pallet is containedwithin a cartridge, a capsule, and/or other containers. In someembodiments, the processing mechanism includes one or more of, forexample, heating (e.g., for vaporizing), turning to aerosol, causing achemical reaction, for example by mixing with other materials, releasinga bioactive agent from a container such as by breaking open a capsule,pressure propellant, mobilizing and/or other types of processing.Alternatively, the active agent is already in a ready to use form anddoes not require any processing before delivering to the user by heatingthe pallet.

In some embodiments, inhaler device 1601 is an MDI device whichcomprises an input 1605. Optionally, input 1605 is configured to receivedata pertaining to a dose and/or a regimen according to which the activeagent will be delivered to the patient. Additionally or alternatively,input 1605 is configured to receive one or more indications from asensor (not shown in FIG. 13), comprised within device 1601 and/orconfigured externally to device 1601.

In some embodiments, inhaler device 1601 comprises a controller 1607,configured to initiate and/or modify and/or cease the pulmonary deliveryof the pharmaceutically active agent. In some embodiments, controller1607 operates dose unit dispenser 1603, for example activating heatingof the pallet by a heating element, such as a resistive heating element.In some embodiments, controller 1607 activates delivery of apre-determined vaporized amount of the agent, such as the dose and/orregimen received as input. In some embodiments, controller 1607 controlsthe flow of the active agent, for example by activating one or morevalves. In some embodiments, the controller is adapted to release theagent based on a current flow rate.

In some embodiments, inhaler device 1601 comprises an output 1609.

Optionally, output 1609 is configured as a mouthpiece engageable by thepatient. Alternatively to a mouthpiece, output 1609 may be configured asa breathing mask, a pacifier-like attachment for infants, and/or otherstructures suitable for delivering the flow of vapors to the patient.

In some embodiments, components of device 1601 such as the dose unitdispenser and/or the controller and/or other components are containedwithin a housing 1611. Optionally, the housing is shaped and sized to beused as a handheld device.

In some embodiments, MDI device 1601 comprises a flow control mechanism.

Optionally, the flow of vapors is controlled using one or more valves.In some embodiments, the flow is selected and/or modified per theindividual patient, for example by timing the delivery and allowing flowof the active agent to the patient only during inhalation of thepatient, indicated for example by a sensor incorporated in the device.In some embodiments, the device is configured to modify the flow toallow the patient to instinctively identify when to cease inhalation,inhale deeper, and/or otherwise change the breathing rhythm and/orintensity. In an example, a pulse of increased flow volume is deliveredby the device to indicate to the patient to cease inhalation.

In some embodiments, the flow is selected and/or modified to reduce anamount of active agent that remains trapped within the outflow tract ofthe device, and is not delivered to the patient. In some cases, theamount of trapped active agent is reduced to a known, predefined amountby controlling the flow.

In some embodiments, the flow is controlled by controller 1607.Optionally, the flow is controlled according to data received on input1605, data acquired by a sensor, and/or other indications.

A potential advantage of a device comprising a flow control mechanismwhich is operable per an individual patient may include improvedaccuracy of delivery to the patient, with respect to timing and/orpre-determined vaporized amounts of active agent delivered by thedevice, improving the performance of the system/MDI device.

FIG. 14A is a schematic diagram of a configuration of an inhaler device1701, which may be an MDI device, according to some embodiments.

In this configuration, dose unit dispenser 1703 comprises dose unit(cartridge) 1705, a heating element 1707, and a feeder 1709 which movesthe dose unit relative to the heating element 1707, for example to be incontact with or in proximity to the heating element.

In some embodiments, the heating element is configured to providelocalized heating, for example by conduction, convection and/orradiation. In some embodiments, a pallet is heated sufficiently quicklyto a temperature suitable for forming vapors of a vaporizablepharmaceutically active agent contained therein. In some embodiments,the pallet is organized as a moving element which can be selectivelyand/or locally activated. Optionally, the pallet is organized intocompacted shapes. Optionally, each shape represents a pre-determinedvaporized amount.

In some embodiments, the vapors released from the pallet collect withina vapor chamber 1711, from which they travel to the patient through anoutflow tract.

Optionally, a valve 1713 is positioned along the tract to control therate of flow.

In some embodiments, device 1701 comprises a mouthpiece 1715 from whichthe vapors are delivered to the patient in response to inhalation.Alternatively, mouthpiece 1715 can be attached to other elements, forexample, to a mask and/or nasal cannula, optionally with supplementaloxygen, for example, to deliver therapy to debilitated patients.Optionally, mouthpiece is in fluid communication with valve 1713.

In some embodiments, device 1701 comprises a power source 1717, forexample a battery, a manually wound spring, and/or a wall socket plug.

In some embodiments, device 1701 comprises a controller 1719, forexample as described hereinabove, configured to control one or more ofvalve 1713, power source 1717, and/or the dose unit dispenser 1703 as awhole and/or separately control the components of the dose unitdispenser. In some embodiments, controller 1719 verifies that a doseunit is authorized for use.

In some embodiments, controller 1719 is in communication with memory1721, which can be read by the controller and/or be written in.

FIG. 14B shows a dose unit 1723, comprising a plurality of discretepallets 1725. Each pallet 1725 contains one or more sections or areas1727 intended for vaporization one or more isolated bioactive agents,enclosed within a heating element 1729 which functions as the housing ofthe pallet. In some embodiments, heating element 1729 is shaped ascage-like a net of wires which encases the pallet. In some embodiments,to vaporize the active agent, electrical current is passed throughheating element 1729, heating the loaded pallet contained within thespecific individual dose unit. The produced vapors are optionallycollected in a vapor chamber and delivered to the patient.

A potential advantage of individually heated dose units may include moreaccurate control over the pre-determined vaporized amounts of bioactiveagent being delivered to the patient, for example in comparison to amoving strip of dose units heated by a stationary heating element.Individual loading and heating of a specific dose unit at certain timingmay improve the accuracy of the MDI device.

FIG. 15 a flowchart of a method of treating an individual patient usinga system according to FIG. 6, while maintaining the patient within atherapeutic window, according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the MDI device is programmed with a pre-determinedvaporized amount (dose and/or regimen) (1801). Optionally, the doseand/or regimen is set in the inhaler device by the physician, manually(such as by activating buttons on the device itself) and/or using thephysician interface. Additionally or alternatively, the dose and/orregimen is set in the MDI device according to instructions sent from thepatient interface.

In some embodiments, the device is activated to deliver the active agentto the patient (1803). In some embodiments, direct and/or indirectfeedback data from the patient is obtained in real time (1805).Optionally, feedback data is obtained over a pulmonary delivering (aninhalation session). A treatment may typically start with a pulmonarydelivery, and end between 5-20 minutes thereafter, for example when thepre-selected pharmacodynamic profile has fully manifested for the activeagent and/or at a later time. Additionally or alternatively, feedbackdata is obtained over a series of pulmonary deliveries, for example overa time period of 1 hour, 3 hours, 5 hours, 9 hours, 12 hours orintermediate, longer or shorter time periods. A protocol may include forexample 5-10 pulmonary deliveries per day, in time intervals rangingbetween 15-180 minutes between successive pulmonary deliveries.

In some embodiments, the feedback data which is obtained from thepatient includes personal PD parameters such as therapeutic effects, forexample symptom intensity, and/or adverse effects, for example apsychoactive state of the patient.

In some embodiments, the patient interface interacts with the patient toobtain the feedback data. In some embodiments, questions to the patientrelating their current state are displayed on a screen, and the patientanswers the questions. Such a question may be presented, for example, inthe form of a bar indicating a pain level, for example, which thepatient raises and/or lowers. Additionally or alternatively, feedbackdata is obtained by one or more applications, such as games, which thepatient interacts with. Optionally, non-invasive biomarkers levels areestimated by analyzing the patient's input when interacting with theuser interface. Additionally or alternatively, feedback data from thepatient is obtained by measuring various biomarkers using one or moresensors, for example by utilizing components of a smartphone, a handhelddevice, a wearable device, a wrist device or an integrated eyeweardevice, to act as non-invasive biomarker sensors.

In some embodiments, the personal PD parameters are obtainedperiodically, for example semi-daily, daily, weekly, monthly, per demandsuch as before a dose and/or a series of doses, before and/or afteralterations in dosing and/or regimen, or others.

In some embodiments, in response to the PD parameters, a dose and/orregimen is modified (1809). Optionally, the dose and/or regimen ismodified to achieve a desired effect, for example reduce pain level ofthe patient, while maintaining the patient within a therapeutic window.In some embodiments, the dose and/or regimen is iteratively modified bythe patient interface. Modifications may take place a plurality oftimes, for example during, between or after one or more pulmonarydeliveries, and/or over a total treatment time period (days, weeks,months, years) over which the patient is treated. The modification islimited by safety cutoffs, such as doses which may put the patient atrisk.

In some embodiments, the patient interface and/or the inhaler (or MDI)device remind the patient to perform one or more pulmonary deliveries(1811). Such a reminder may be provided as a visual signal (for examplelight indication), a sound, a vibration, a notification on aportable/handheld device, e.g. smartphone, a handheld device, a wearabledevice, a wrist device or an integrated eyewear device, or a combinationthereof.

In some embodiments, usage data of the patient is recorded and stored inthe MDI device memory and/or in the patient interface memory.Optionally, the delivery of the active agent is modified, potentially inreal time, according to usage data. For example, in a case in which thepatient missed one or more pulmonary deliveries, the dose and/or regimenmay be automatically modified to set a delivery of, for example, anincreased amount of active agent in the following one or more pulmonarydeliveries.

In some embodiments, any one or more of the actions described in1801-1811 may be repeated. Advantageously, obtaining personal PDparameters and/or usage data from the patient repetitively may providefor ongoing adjustment of the dose and/or regimen, providing a flexible,precise and accurate personalized treatment to the patient based on anactual effect of the treatment on the individual patient.

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from thisapplication many relevant dose units for vaporizing and delivering byinhalation isolated bioactive agents will be developed and the scope ofthe term dose unit is intended to include all such new technologies apriori.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “10 μm” is intended to mean“about 10 μm”.

As used herein, numerical ranges preceded by the term “about” should notbe considered to be limited to the recited range. Rather, numericalranges preceded by the term “about” should be understood to include arange accepted by those skilled in the art for any given element inmicrocapsules or formulations according to the present disclosure.

The term “about” as used herein means within an acceptable error rangefor a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in theart, which will depend in part on how the value is measured ordetermined, i.e., the limitations of the measurement system. Forexample, “about” can mean a range of up to 10%, more preferably up to5%, and still more preferably up to 1% of a given value. Whereparticular values are described in the application and claims, unlessotherwise stated, the meaning of the term “about” is within anacceptable error range for the particular value.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having”and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”.

The term “consisting of” means “including and limited to”.

The term “consisting essentially of” means that the composition, methodor structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, butonly if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materiallyalter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition,method or structure.

As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example,the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a pluralityof compounds, including mixtures thereof.

The words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to mean “serving asan example, instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as an“example or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferredor advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude theincorporation of features from other embodiments.

The word “optionally” is used herein to mean “is provided in someembodiments and not provided in other embodiments”. Any particularembodiment may include a plurality of “optional” features except insofaras such features conflict.

Throughout this application, various embodiments may be presented in arange format. It should be understood that the description in rangeformat is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construedas an inflexible limitation on the scope of an invention. Accordingly,the description of a range should be considered to have specificallydisclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numericalvalues within that range. For example, description of a range such asfrom 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosedsubranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4,from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within thatrange, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of thebreadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to includeany cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range.The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and asecond indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number“to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and aremeant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all thefractional and integral numerals therebetween.

As used herein the term “method” refers to manners, means, techniquesand procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limitedto, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, orreadily developed from known manners, means, techniques and proceduresby practitioners of the chemical, pharmacological, biological,biochemical and medical arts.

As used herein, the term “treating” includes abrogating, substantiallyinhibiting, slowing or reversing the progression of a condition,substantially ameliorating clinical or aesthetical symptoms of acondition or substantially preventing the appearance of clinical oraesthetical symptoms of a condition.

All values of measurable parameters are assumed measured under standardtemperature and pressure conditions or the like unless noted otherwise.

It is appreciated that certain features of an invention, which are, forclarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of an invention, which are, for brevity, described in thecontext of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or inany suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other describedembodiment. Certain features described in the context of variousembodiments are not to be considered essential features of thoseembodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without thoseelements.

Various embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure as delineatedhereinabove and as claimed in the claims section below find experimentalsupport in the following examples.

EXAMPLES

Reference is now made to the following examples, which together with theabove descriptions illustrate some embodiments of in a non-limitingfashion.

Example 1

A piece of fritted glass of porosity 30 (laboratory standard), havingpallet dimensions suited to fit into the pallet frame or housing, wasused as a unified air-permeable matrix.

A solution of 50 mg of isolated and purified CBD in 50 microlitesethanol was prepared. The solution was poured over the air-permeablematrix such that the solution remained encompassed and soaked in thematrix without leach.

The loaded air-permeable matrix, namely the pallet, was placed in adryer to evaporate the ethanol at a temperature lower than the boilingpoint of CBD, such as 100° C.

Once ethanol was evaporated, as was assessed by arriving at a constantweight of the pallet, the pallet was ready to continue with mounting ofthe dose unit. Once the pallet is positioned in the frame of the doseunit, the mesh is fused to the dose unit frame by means of heat press(melting the frame and overlapping the mesh), ultrasonic welding oroptionally any biocompatible glue.

CBD has a boiling point of 180° C. A short time was provided to vaporizeand to inhale the drug (about 3 seconds total), so that most if not allof the drug may be vaporized and inhaled in a single inhalation by mostcontemplated users. The pallet was quickly heated to above 180° C. butbelow the combustion temperature of the air-permeable matrix material,the frame material and CBD.

Example 2

A piece of ceramic of porosity 30 (laboratory standard), having palletdimensions suited to fit into the pallet frame or housing, is used as aunified air-permeable matrix.

A solution of 20 mg of pure dronabinol in 50 microlites ethanol isprepared.

The solution is poured over the air-permeable matrix such that thesolution remains encompassed and soaked in the matrix without leach.

The loaded air-permeable matrix, namely the pallet, is placed in a dryerto evaporate the ethanol at a temperature lower than the boiling pointof dronabinol, such as 100° C.

Once ethanol is evaporated, as can be assessed for example by arrivingat a constant weight of the pallet, the pallet is ready to continue withmounting of the dose unit. Once the pallet is positioned in the frame ofthe dose unit, the mesh is fused to the dose unit frame by means of heatpress (melting the frame and overlapping the mesh), ultrasonic weldingor optionally any biocompatible glue.

Dronabinol has a boiling point of 250° C. A short time is provided tovaporize and to inhale the drug (about 3 seconds total). The pallet isheated to above 250° C. but below the combustion temperature of theair-permeable matrix material, the frame material and dronabinol.

Example 3

A measured amount (e.g. 30 m³) of acid washed/silanized glass beadshaving an average size of 75 μm (such as, e.g., SUPELCO 59201) areplaced in the dose frame. Optionally, the beads are distributed in thedose frame while placing it horizontally flat against a support surfaceand shaking the dose frame with the beads inside vertically (forexample, by vibrating it and/or the surface on which it rests), until aleveled plain of beads is formed within the frame. Optionally, the doseframe is secured before vibration, to prevent beads from escaping theframe from underneath.

A solution of 5 mg Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Dronabinol THC-10015S) and 1mg of limonene (Sigma-Aldrich 62118-1 ml) in 50 μl ethanol is prepared.

The solution is gently poured over the glass beads and the dose isplaced in a dryer in order to evaporate the ethanol. Optionally,instead, the beads are dipped in the solution and then removed to dry,before being placed into the frame as described above.

Once the ethanol is evaporated, as can be assessed for example byarriving at a constant weight of the beads or the pallet (if alreadyformed), the amount of THC and limonene may be measured or estimated forexample by comparing the weight of dried coated beads to the washedbeads before being exposed to the THC limonene solution.

Although the embodiments have been described in conjunction withspecific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives,modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scopeof the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated in their entirety by referenceinto the specification, to the same extent as if each individualpublication, patent or patent application was specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Inaddition, citation or identification of any reference in thisapplication shall not be construed as an admission that such referenceis available as prior art to the present disclosure. To the extent thatsection headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarilylimiting.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of delivering to a user an active agentfrom a dose unit comprised in a dose unit dispenser having a pluralityof individual dose units, comprising: dispensing an individual dose unitfrom said dose unit dispenser into a use position of an inhaler, saiddose unit having an individually embedded electrically resistive heatingelement; applying a current to said electrically resistive heatingelement of said dose unit; heating said active agent causing at least aportion of said active agent to vaporize; and passing airflow throughsaid dose unit out to an output aperture, thereby delivering saidvaporized active agent from said dose unit to said user.
 2. The methodof claim 1, comprising delivering a single dose of said vaporized activeagent from said dose unit to said user in a single vaporization event,followed by moving said individual dose unit from said use position. 3.The method of claim 2, comprising delivering said single dose in asingle inhalation session.
 4. The method of claim 1, comprisingdelivering said vaporized active agent from said dose unit to said userin a plurality of vaporization events, prior to moving said individualdose unit from said use position.
 5. The method of claim 1, comprisingcontrolling said heating to reproducibly deliver a pre-determined amountof said active agent.
 6. The method of claim 1, comprising controllingsaid passing airflow to reproducibly deliver a pre-determined amount ofsaid active agent.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said applying acurrent is provided to an electrically resistive heating element atleast partially embedded in a portion of a frame of said individual doseunit.
 8. The method of claim 1, comprising clamping said individual doseunit prior to said applying.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein saidclamping comprises positioning electrodes for contacting said embeddedelectrically resistive heating element.
 10. The method of claim 9,wherein said contacting comprises press contact.
 11. The method of claim1, comprising passing current through a pathway extending over all of atleast one side of said individual dose unit.
 12. The method of claim 1,comprising passing current through a pathway extending over all of twosides of said individual dose unit.
 13. The method of claim 12, whereinsaid passing current comprises evenly distributing heat over a surfaceof said individual dose unit.
 14. The method of claim 8, wherein saidclamping comprises sealing an airway passage around at least a portionof said individual dose unit.
 15. The method of claim 14, comprisingopening said clamping to receive said individual dose unit and closingsaid clamping to seal an airway passage around at least a portion ofsaid individual dose unit.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein saiddispensing comprises locking said individual dose unit by at least onelocking member.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein said dispensingcomprises moving said individual dose unit while being locked with saidat least one locking member.
 18. The method of claim 1, comprisingdispensing a new individual dose unit into said use position.
 19. Themethod of claim 1, comprising ejecting said individual dose unit fromthe use position after said delivering of the vaporized active agentfrom said dose unit to the user.
 20. The method of claim 19, whereinsaid ejecting comprises moving said individual dose unit out of said useposition and into said dose unit dispenser.
 21. The method of claim 19,wherein said ejecting comprises disengaging said individual dose unitfrom a locking member.